Exploring alternative participatory budgeting approaches as means for citizens engagement: the case of energy

This exploratory paper reflects on the activities of an European project that explores novel forms of citizens engagement with the twofold objective of exploring alternative governance approaches to renewable energy sources and of reducing and optimizing energy consumption. This exploratory vision is inquired through the use of ICTs tools in connection with a new deliberative process built upon the participatory budgeting model. The paper describes the energy budgeting framework and provides empirical insights grounded on its ongoing implementation and trialing. We provide two main points of discussion regarding social acceptance of technology and the shifting from a monetary budget to a energy one.