Details
- Publication date
- 2 October 2024
- EPAH Type of publication
- Scientific paper
Description
Energy efficiency is vital for energy transitions, and energy-poor, vulnerable, and hard-to-reach groups are at risk of being left behind. In this context, local middle actors have been suggested as partners in deploying targeted energy support. Nevertheless, scarce research has engaged with them. In this research, we draw on the mapping of 198 local organizations and 34 semi-structured interviews conducted after deploying a pilot energy support service in Setúbal, Portugal. Results show that most organizations are willing to disseminate activities, forward citizens, facilitate contacts, co-organize events, and participate in training. Half can identify vulnerable families. Scarce human resources, lack of time, other priorities, and financing concerns severely constrain local organizations. Thus, we suggest that fostering collaborations with local organizations requires dedicated funding, time, and resources to empower, capacitate, and reward middle actors.
