Households and Energy Transition in the Republic of Serbia: Legislative Frameworks and Real Practice

Households are among the key players in the energy transition process. This sector accounts for the main share of final energy consumption, providing a great possibility for reduction of energy intensity, emissions of pollutants and GHG, a shift to renewable energy sources (RES), and an increase in energy self-sufficiency. Still, the transition process in households is followed by a high level of uncertainty along the progress path. Therefore, this paper aims to extend a knowledge base about energy transition in households. The policy and legal framework define the energy transition environment, and therefore, the main policy and legal EU and Serbian documents related to the roles of households in the energy sector are presented. In addition, to provide deeper insight into Serbian household sector energy habits, behaviours, and attitudes, a comprehensive household survey was conducted. The results identify key drivers and barriers that shape household energy consumption, providing a robust framework for decision-makers and relevant stakeholders. This framework facilitates the development of strategies that encourage the energy transition, taking into account Serbia’s specific socio-cultural context. The paper emphasizes the importance of aligning national policies with EU standards and utilizing reliable and credible household-level data to address energy challenges effectivel.