The inclusion of energy vulnerable citizens in the Dutch energy transition: A comparative analysis between perspectives on energy justice in policy and of energy vulnerable citizens in Tilburg, the Netherlands

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2023-01-16

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en

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This thesis examines how energy poor citizens understand energy justice; how justice is understood in local energy policy; and which (mis)matches arise when comparing these narratives. To answer the research question, a qualitative, explorative case study was carried out, focusing on the city of Tilburg. Building on the tree tenets of energy justice (procedural, recognition and distributional justice), interviews with 13 energy poor citizens were carried out, as well as an analysis of 5 policy documents on the regional and local scale. An overarching outcome is that the interviewees’ perceptions of injustice regarding distribution and procedures could oftentimes be traced back to a lack of recognition for their distinct needs and vulnerabilities in the first place. Hence, to address citizens' perceptions of injustice, it is not enough to arrange extended participation procedures (to improve procedural justice) and financial compensation (to improve distributional justice), as this does not address people's more fundamental sense of misrecognition. A fundamental challenge therefore lies in integrating recognition into energy policy and rebuilding trust with citizens. In order to connect this conclusion to policy practice, this thesis concludes with seven policy recommendations on how to improve the inclusion of energy poor citizens in the energy transition.

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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen