Overview
WHAT IS IT
Energy is essential to our daily lives. We rely on it for adequate heating, cooling, and lighting in our homes to ensure a decent standard of living. It also safeguards our health.
Energy poverty arises when a household must limit its energy consumption to such an extent that it may harm the health and wellbeing of its members. It is caused by a combination of factors, including at least non-affordability, insufficient disposable income, high energy expenditure and poor energy efficiency of homes.
WHY IT MATTERS
Addressing energy poverty is an essential part of just and inclusive energy transition process. The energy poverty rates in the Energy Community Contracting Parties are among the highest in Europe. The situation has been exacerbated further with rising energy prices in the past several years and inflation pushing more people into energy poverty and worsening their living standards. Protecting vulnerable consumers and addressing energy poverty in the long term are crucial elements of energy market reforms and the green and just energy transition in Europe.
EXPERT GROUP: ENERGY POVERTY COORDINATION GROUP
To strengthen support for alleviating energy poverty, the Energy Community Secretariat established the Energy Poverty Coordination Group (EPCG) in December 2022. The Group brings together representatives from ministries responsible for energy and social affairs in the Contracting Parties and fosters close cooperation with European institutions and organizations active in the field.
The EPCG serves as a platform for sharing best practices, identifying tailored solutions, and promoting long-term measures to reduce energy poverty. Its core tasks include:
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Identifying the specific needs of Contracting Parties and proposing practical solutions;
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Discussing local-level perspectives and enhancing municipal engagement;
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Exchanging experiences on legislation, policy design, and data collection related to energy poverty.
