In the warm, humid air of Belém, Brazil, COP30 has emerged as a defining moment in global energy governance. Unlike previous conferences, which were often dominated by grand visions and long-term pledges, this year’s COP30 felt distinctly pragmatic — the world is searching for energy pathways that can truly be implemented, scaled, and mobilized at the level of society itself. Against this backdrop, household-level smart energy has, for the first time, taken center stage in the international climate agenda.