The current upheaval in the energy markets is, of course, worrying. Particularly for those people who are most vulnerable to increases in energy costs.

Like all shocks, the immediate impact is severe . Like all changes the shock can be a catalyst for positive change. Only my opinion of course but the current energy crisis is likely to accelerate investment in renewable energy sources. Also individuals , businesses and governments will be considering, and hopefully implementing, measures to conserve energy.

During the early phases of the COVID pandemic there was much more information provided by governments and supranational organisations, like the WHO, on the dreadful impact of the pandemic. Although many didn’t agree with the measures taken, governments implemented measures that they believed would mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

So this leads me to one suggestion for governments. Publish basic data on energy consumption in a public forum (only a few key figures) so that people and businesses can easily see how much energy is being consumed, and from what source, with some historical comparisons. Set targets for reductions in energy consumption and track progress.

Will this solve the energy crisis? No, but it would be a good start to change the mindset about energy use and efficiency.

What do you think?