Energy poverty represent a serious challenge. As a result, support programs and alternative financial initiatives emerged as viable means to mitigate its effects on energy-poor citizens.

The EU-funded POWERPOOR project developed support programs and schemes for energy-poor citizens and encouraged the use of alternative financing mechanisms (e.g., establishing energy communities/cooperatives, crowdfunding). POWERPOOR facilitated experience and knowledge sharing, as well as the implementation of small-scale energy efficiency interventions and the installation of renewable energy sources, increasing the active participation of citizens.

Pilot energy poverty support programs and schemes were designed, developed, and implemented in Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Spain, led by a network of certified Energy Supporters and Energy Communities Mentors. These Energy Supporters and Mentors assisted over 22,000 energy-poor households in planning and implementing energy efficiency interventions, as well as participating in joint energy initiatives.

Energy-poor citizens were engaged through various activities, such as Info Days, Local Energy Poverty Offices, and ICT-driven tools (Energy Poverty Mitigation Toolkit). The establishment of Stakeholders Liaison Groups also facilitated engagement and provided support to energy-poor households. Additionally, guidelines on tackling energy poverty in Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans were developed.

Based on the experience gained and lessons learned from implementing POWERPOOR, EU policy recommendations and eight National Roadmaps were elaborated, enabling policymakers at all governance levels to learn from the project.