on the basis of a qualitative survey, it is sought to describe and interpret the relationship between public energy policies aimed at the population and the ordinary uses of energy by these populations in their daily lives (in terms of travel, heating and lighting). On the basis of a criticism of the presumptions of traditional sociological approaches to this type of object, we demonstrate the interest in studying not individuals but institutions. Policies and uses of energy are therefore not seen as the product of individuals but as a result of the combination of a plurality of social institutions, in terms of complementarity, conflict or indifference.