Rosa, 81, died in Reus on 14 November 2016 because Gas Natural Fenosa had cut off her electricity. This violated the Catalan energy poverty law, 24/2015, the result of a Popular Legislative Initiative. Unfortunately, energy poverty is a growing problem affecting more and more families and has devastating consequences for the physical and mental health and financial situations of those suffering from it. Energy poverty kills.
Why, in a world awash with “idle capital” and in desperate need of a just energy transition to a renewables-based system, are global investment levels in renewable energy so out of sync with climate targets? And why we urgently need to pursue public alternatives.
This study aims at discussing the components and framework for a just energy transition from the perspective of India, as well as arguing for industrial policy in the energy sector. This will address both the necessity for regulation in the energy sector in light of the global climate crisis as well as fostering a transition that recognises the development needs of people in the South and the key role of Labour in this process.
Across Europe, a growing number of local authorities are eager to regain control over energy systems on a wide range of scales and modalities.