ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the representation of energy, the ‘making’ of energy demand, and the relations between technology and practice. Various fables treat energy as a singular resource and as something that can be quantified in terms like million tonnes of oil equivalent or kilowatt hours. Being able to calculate and compare units of energy is a necessary precursor for organising markets across different fuels and different types of energy generation, for discussions of efficiency, and for estimating price elasticity. On the surface, proponents of energy efficiency are devoted to the task of delivering the same or more service but with less energy. Ironically, dominant discourses and fables that appear to marginalise questions of demand have the invisible but powerful effect of reproducing very specific interpretations of what energy is for and how much is needed.
