New practical Guide to Planning Energy Poverty Mitigation Actions

Energy poverty, affecting millions across the EU and beyond, demands comprehensive planning and strategic action. The handbook is a crucial resource for municipalities, offering a systematic approach to tackle energy poverty in the second phase proposed by the EPAH methodology.

At its core, the planning phase is about translating analysis into tangible proposals that can be approved, financed, and implemented successfully. With a focus on impactful approaches, the handbook equips stakeholders with essential tools to prioritize actions and ensure every household, regardless of socio-economic standing, has equal access to a sustainable energy future.

"Planning is all about making the first choices and prioritising actions with the clear goal to have an impactful approach," states the handbook. It emphasises understanding challenges, designing robust responses, and engaging vulnerable consumers in decision-making processes.

Key guiding questions provided in the handbook include: What goals do we aim to achieve? How can actions be tailored to vulnerable consumers' needs? How can vulnerable consumers be included in the decision process? These questions, along with others, serve as critical checkpoints to ensure feasibility and impact.

Ultimately, the handbook presents practical steps, from defining the vision to developing a local social climate plan. Each step is tailored to support the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of impactful actions at the local level. "While presented in consecutive steps, it may be necessary to revisit certain steps in a circular fashion," advises the handbook. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to fine-tune results based on newly gained information.

With its comprehensive approach and practical guidance, the EPAH Handbook 2 is poised to empower local government in their efforts to combat energy poverty effectively.

Access it here.