selfsupply

Selfsupply, also spelled self-supply, is the practice of producing or procuring goods and services primarily for one’s own use rather than purchasing from third parties. The term is used across domains such as energy, water, food, and housing.

In energy, selfsupply refers to on-site generation such as solar photovoltaic systems, small wind turbines, micro-hydro, or combined heat and power, often complemented by energy storage. The aim is to reduce reliance on centralized grids, lower operating costs, increase resilience, or meet environmental goals.

In water management, selfsupply involves rainwater harvesting, groundwater use, or gray-water recycling to meet household needs, subject to local regulations.

In food, households or communities practice gardening, agroforestry, beekeeping, or small-scale livestock to provide a portion of their food, sometimes using preservation and composting to close the nutrient loop.

In housing and manufacturing, selfsupply can include off-grid heating, construction using local materials, or DIY repairs and production of goods.

Regulation and market context vary widely. Some jurisdictions encourage selfsupply through incentives, permitting regimes, or compensation schemes (e.g., net metering for solar). Others restrict certain activities due to safety, water rights, licensing, or building codes.

Advocates emphasize resilience, autonomy, reduced volatility of prices, and ecological benefits; critics warn of safety risks, up-front costs, and potential misallocation of resources if not managed efficiently.

See also: self-sufficiency, off-grid, prosumer, resilience, do-it-yourself.