LAUSR

In accordance with article 194 of Lisbon Treaty, the European Union ‘. . .shall ensure the functioning of the energy market. . .; promote energy efficiency and interconnection of energy networks; ensure security of energy supply. . .’. All this will be impossible without a comprehensive combination of achievements of energy-related Social Sciences and Humanities (hereinafter-SSH) with traditional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines. A peer-reviewed book is a complex synergy of analysis of practical experience, conclusions of conducted seminars, results of theoretical studies; experiences in designing and applying different types of models for better understanding of energy systems. As stated in the introduction, this book for ‘. . .those new to SSH, or those interested in deepening their understanding. . .’ in each chapter clearly provides an answer to the request: ‘explain to me why energy is a social issue’. And moreover, such answer became real due to the work and research of 50 contributors (pp.7). The first illustrative example of the social nature of energy can be seen through analysis and understanding of energy poverty policy based on concrete lived experiences in three targeted EU countries – the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. The need for the interaction of all social disciplines when it comes to combating energy poverty is aptly depicted by the authors on 22