What’s the role of consumers – both industrial and household to the transition away from baseload? What appliances can be introduced for home use to support the transfer process?

Consumers are no longer just passive users of electricity; they are becoming active participants in balancing the system. Industrial consumers already contribute through demand-response contracts, shifting energy-intensive operations (e.g., metallurgy, chemicals, food processing) to periods of high renewable output.

For households, the transition is supported by new appliances and smart technologies. Heat pumps, solar water heaters, and electric vehicle chargers can be programmed to operate when solar and wind generation is abundant, reducing stress on the grid. Home batteries and smart thermostats add another layer of flexibility, allowing families to store cheap solar electricity during the day and use it in the evening. When linked through Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), these devices not only lower household bills but also improve national grid stability.

In Bulgaria, the Net-Zero Lab recently launched a campaign on the responsibility of energy consumer choices, highlighting how individuals can empower themselves through smarter technologies and practices. The campaign emphasizes that consumer decisions are not only about saving money but also about active participation in the energy transition. By shifting when and how they use electricity, both households and industries can become part of the solution for a reliable, renewable-based system.