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The middle-out perspective (MOP) is a relatively new analytical perspective that provides a unique lens to examine the impact of middle actors on action, inaction, change, and stagnation. This research explores the middle-out mechanism and is the first to intersect the various components of the MOP: directions of influence (upwards, downward, and sideways), modes of influence (aggregating, mediating, and enabling), and actors' levels of agency (interest and willingness to act) and capacity (ability to act). The study focuses on one middle actor: Meshek Renewables (MR), an entrepreneurial company in the Israeli energy arena. Through a detailed intersectional analysis, the roles that MR fills in overcoming barriers to transition in two domains are examined: (1) decarbonizing the transport system, and (2) increasing the share of PV in the electricity generation mix. The analysis demonstrates how, by using its assets and resources, MR raised other top, bottom, and middle actors' interest in implementing new energy technologies and improved their abilities to integrate low-carbon energy solutions and promote electric vehicles. Understanding the middle-out mechanism contributes to recognizing the qualities and assets middle-actors need to effectively overcome barriers to action associated with other actors' agency and capacity.

In a first of its kind, controlled field study, a middle-out strategy (MOS) was developed and applied in an aim to shave mid-week summer peak demand. The MOS focuses on middle actors as agents that can induce change from the middle-out, exerting influence via their networks in three directions: downstream (on end-users), upstream (on suppliers and regulators) and sideways (on other communities). The study was conducted in the summer of 2018 in two Israeli local communities (n = 66, n =258 households) and focused on the downstream impact. In both communities: (a) demand was monitored via smart meters, (b) generic and tailored text messages were sent twice a week during peak hours, and (c) economic incentive was offered to households that either saved 10% of their electricity during peak hours compared to the previous year, or 10% in August 2018 compared to July 2018. In one community, an additional four engagement activities took place. All interventions were mediated through local middle actors and middle platforms and differed in the level of the middle actors’ involvement. Additional data was collected via survey and interviews. A downstream impact was demonstrated when about one-third of the participating households reduced their peak consumption by 10%, with an average reduction of 4.5–6%. A sideways impact was indicated when middle actors from similar communities expressed an interest in conducting such a project in the future. An upstream impact was indicated when a significant actor in the electricity sector expressed an interest in supporting similar future projects.