This book takes a fresh look at key terms and concepts around which energy research and policy are organised. Drawing on recent research in energy and transport studies, and combining this with concepts from sociology, economics, social theory and technology studies, the chapters review and challenge different aspects of received wisdom.

1. Introduction Part I. What is energy for? 2. Energy Demand 3. Energy Services Part II. Characteristics 4. Energy Efficiency 5. Rebound 6. Elasticity Part III. Injunctions 7. Low Hanging Fruit 8. Keeping the Lights on 9. Promoting Smart Homes Part IV. Policies 10. The Energy Trilemma 11. Flexibility 12. Non-Energy Policy 13. Postscript: Can Energy Researchers and Policy Makers Change their Spots?

"Story-telling helps people understand their place in the world, from the campfire to climate change’s Talanoa Dialogue. This volume will aid everyone’s understanding of the stories and phrases that people use to navigate the complex landscape of energy demand." -- Jim Skea, Professor of Sustainable Energy, Imperial College London, UK "This book is essential reading for policy makers who think they can solve climate change by promoting energy efficiency and adding more renewable energy sources. Energy Fables shows that energy demand should be the main topic of research and policy intervention." -- Kris De Decker, Low-tech Magazine, Spain"Energy Fables provides a challenge to the way we think about energy. Some contributions will doubtless be controversial, but the sustained focus on how energy is used and the social construction of energy demand is thought-provoking and welcome." -- Nick Eyre, Director of the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions, UK "While acknowledging these difficulties, this book takes an important step in encouraging more open conversations about the conflicts these fables highlight and the possibilities for adapting energy work to new scientific and practical challenges and possibilities." -- Mithra Moezzi, Buildings & Cities