The energy transition is increasingly high stakes, defined by the participation of new actors, and – above all – political. Renewable energy communities (RECs) are electricity system actors defined by local control and motivations beyond profit maximization. There has been much speculation about the potential impact of RECs on political systems, but little empirical investigation. This study examines (a) if RECs are shifting larger political power structures, (b) the mechanisms through which shifts are occurring, and (c) the implications of shifts for the future. It compares across the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ontario, Canada. Findings reveal that political power is shifting but outright policy wins are rare. RECs are gaining capacity, building political coalitions and benefiting from changing norms. However, they are challenged by pressures from incumbents to maintain centralised ownership and control. Energy action, both sanctioned and subversive, is rescaling toward local levels. Implications for energy and social policies are significant.

能源转型越来越受到各方的关注，这取决于新参与者的参与，尤其是政治方面的参与。可再生能源社区（RECs）是电力系统参与者，由本地控制和超越利润最大化的动机所定义。人们一直对RECs对政治制度的潜在影响进行了很多猜测，但很少进行实证研究。这项研究调查了（a）REC是否正在转移更大的政治权力结构，（b）发生转移的机制，以及（c）转移对未来的影响。它在荷兰，英国和加拿大安大略省进行了比较。调查结果表明，政治权力正在发生变化，但很少有赢得全面政策胜利的人。区域经济合作组织正在获得能力，建立政治联盟并从不断变化的规范中受益。然而，他们面临着任职者保持集中所有权和控制权的压力。受到制裁和颠覆的能源行动正在向地方一级扩展。能源和社会政策的意义重大。