ASSERT - Large-scale multi-actor training and mentorship programme to assist people with physical impairments in energy poverty

The ASSERT project is a European initiative within the LIFE23-CET-ENERPOV framework, designed to tackle the pressing challenge of energy poverty, with a particular focus on people with physical disabilities. Its goal is to provide policymakers, intermediary organizations, and directly affected individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competences needed to effectively respond to energy poverty and reduce its consequences.

The project stems from the recognition that persons with physical disabilities are disproportionately exposed to energy poverty due to their higher energy consumption needs and limited income. Building on an understanding of the multiple, interrelated difficulties faced by these groups, ASSERT promotes a targeted and inclusive strategy that engages three main audiences: decision-makers, field actors, and citizens themselves. The aim is to ensure that no one is excluded from the transition toward clean energy.

Since people living with disabilities and energy poverty often lack adequate support and resources to manage their energy demands, ASSERT focuses on empowering them to adopt energy efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions, helping to break the cycle that worsens both health conditions and financial vulnerability. At the same time, the project provides training and mentorship to local policymakers and intermediaries, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge to develop sustainable energy solutions and to embed energy poverty considerations into broader policy frameworks.

Some concrete KPIs include:

• 5 – Pairs of municipalities and association mentored in each pilot country
• 25 – Intermediaries trained in each pilot country
• 25 – Municipal staff trained in each pilot country
• 500 – Consumers with disabilities experiencing energy poverty supported in each pilot country.

The partners of the project are:

1. AISFOR
2. RETE ASSIST
3. ENERCOOP
4. ECOSERVEIS
5. CCR - CITIZEN CROSSROADS
6. CEA - ENERGEIAKO GRAFEIO KYPROU
7. CLIMATE ALLIANCE
8. ENIL - EUROPEAN NETWORK ON INDEPENDENT LIVING BRUSSELS OFFICE
9. NTUA - ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION
10. IEECP - INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE POLICY STICHTING
11. Eurac - ACCADEMIA EUROPEA DI BOLZANO.

This page was last updated on 11 September 2025. For the most updated information about the project, please visit the project page at the EC funding and portal website.