How Europeans can become ‘better grid citizens’ – without cutting their electricity use

European gas prices have surged to levels not seen since the height of the 2022 energy crisis, as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten the stability of fossil fuels. With the winter months approaching, Europe is scrambling to replenish its dwindling gas reserves ahead of the cold weather. In June, the European Commission warned residents to reduce energy consumption during peak times to alleviate the burden on the continent's already strained power grid.

This comes as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) drives the demand for data centers, which consume substantial amounts of electricity. While it may seem that individuals have little control over these developments, one expert contends that every household possesses the potential to contribute to balancing Europe's energy supply and demand.

According to Niklas Persson, CEO of grid integration at Hitachi Energy, "Consumers are becoming increasingly important participants in the energy ecosystem. A 'better grid citizen' is not merely someone who uses less electricity; they are someone who uses electricity more intelligently." This can be achieved through smart electric vehicle (EV) charging, adaptable heating systems, and rooftop or plug-in solar panels, all of which help alleviate pressure on the grid during peak times and lower energy bills.

However, the high upfront costs of acquiring such technologies often deter millions of Europeans from participating. In this case, households can still engage in demand-response programs by utilizing smart meters, which grant access to cheaper electricity at specific times of the day. Adoption of these devices differs across Europe, with high rates in nations like Denmark and Sweden.

In Germany, where smart meters have been met with resistance, only 5.9% of electricity connections have them, a 1.5% increase over the past six months.

For households equipped with solar power and battery storage, they can sell their excess renewable energy back to the grid during peak demand periods, typically in the evenings. This practice further reduces their energy expenses. Persson aspires for millions of Europeans to actively participate in balancing supply and demand, thereby integrating more renewable energy while potentially saving on energy costs.

This approach could not only alleviate the financial strain on cash-strapped Europeans but also prevent clean energy from being wasted.

According to energy think tank Ember, smart charging EVs alone could absorb around three percent of peak hourly wind and solar generation in Spain. This would be substantial, considering that in May 2026, an estimated 10% of monthly power generated by Spanish wind and solar farms was curtailed. Nonetheless, Europe's aging grid infrastructure poses a significant challenge. An Ember report from April states that bottlenecks caused by the grid could put over 120 GW of anticipated renewables at risk.

Persson emphasizes that upgrading existing transmission corridors, expediting permitting for new grid projects, and more widely deploying advanced power electronics and digital technologies are crucial steps towards a more sustainable, affordable, and secure energy system. "The transition towards a greener, more cost-effective energy future cannot be accomplished by utilities alone. It will require a collaborative effort between grid operators, technology providers, businesses, and consumers," he asserts.