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Energy Poverty Advisory Hub

Prevention of Energy Poverty

National project

The project “Prevention of Energy Poverty through Educational, Activation and Motivational Tools and Systemic Changes” is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic (MPSV) within the Operational Programme Employment Plus (OPZ+). The project responds to the growing problem of energy poverty in the Czech Republic and focuses on vulnerable households struggling with high energy costs, debt, low energy literacy and social exclusion.

The project combines social innovation, field-based support and systemic policy development. Its main target groups are low-income households, families at risk of energy poverty, seniors, single parents and other vulnerable consumers who face difficulties covering energy expenses or accessing support mechanisms.

A key activity of the project is direct field work in households. Trained workers provide individual energy, social and financial counselling directly in people’s homes. The support includes identifying causes of high energy consumption and arrears, improving orientation in state support schemes, strengthening communication with authorities and energy suppliers, and educating households about energy-saving behaviour and financial literacy.

The project also introduces motivational and behavioural approaches that help households adopt long-term energy-efficient habits. In cooperation with private and non-profit partners, some households receive energy-efficient appliances and equipment that reduce energy consumption and improve quality of life.

An important part of the initiative is the creation of local support networks under the umbrella initiative “Kruh záchrany” (“Circle of Rescue”), connecting municipalities, institutions, NGOs and private partners. The project strengthens cooperation between sectors and aims to create sustainable systemic measures preventing households from falling into deeper energy poverty and social exclusion.

The project further collects data and analyses the causes and impacts of energy poverty in the Czech Republic. The findings are used to formulate recommendations for public policies and long-term systemic changes in the field of energy poverty prevention.

The project is currently ongoing and serves as an innovative national pilot combining social work, energy counselling, education and stakeholder cooperation.