Spaces, forms, and levels engagement: Using the Powercube to explore social inclusion in digital energy and mobility systems

Energy and mobility transitions are often coupled with digital innovations to meet decarbonisation goals. Enthusiasm for digitalisation arises from the belief that such technologies can democratize energy and mobility supply and use, empower homeowners and communities, maximise efficiencies, and generally improve quality of life. However, realising these benefits depends upon effective inclusion, strong governance, and clear conceptions of shared responsibilities and accountability. These features can be limited in practice. This study examines social inclusion in digital energy and mobility systems through a power lens, and based on extensive, original, mixed-methods data across three comparative case studies: smart and local energy systems in Brighton (UK); smart meter-enabled energy communities in Trento (Italy); and digitalisation of urban mobility systems in Bergen (Norway). Through Gaventa's “Powercube” approach, a combined analytical and co-productive tool, the study interrogates claims of equity, justice, and improved social outcomes. It examines the state of, and potential for, inclusion in digitalised energy systems. Methodologically, the paper presents insights into the Powercube method – currently underexplored in energy and mobility transition scholarship – by analysing its strengths and weaknesses in studying these contexts. Empirically, the paper discusses the potential of digitalisation to increase energy and mobility system inclusion, and what this means for energy and social outcomes. Findings highlight that, pursued in their current forms, digitalisation of energy and mobility systems is exacerbating existing inequalities, entrenching exclusive decision practices, and creating new closed off spaces as public energy data is moved into private ownership.