ClimateJuly 15, 2026
prosumer
/ˈproʊˌsuːmər/
Definition
A consumer who also acts as a producer, specifically in the context of energy markets where individuals generate and feed power back into the grid.
Etymology
This is a portmanteau of the words 'producer' and 'consumer'. It was coined by futurist Alvin Toffler in his 1980 book 'The Third Wave' to describe the blurring lines between those who make goods and those who use them.
In the news
The term appears in the article as a reference to a tariff model for individuals who generate their own renewable energy. It represents the decentralized, dual role individuals play in modern energy systems.
Using less energy emerges as a public-friendly climate strategy
Read the full article ↗pv Europe