Citizens energy package : a good narrative and recommendations but concrete means must follow

The Citizen Energy Package arrives in a particular context. The war in the Middle East could lead to another energy price crisis in Europe, which would once again hit our economy and European households hard, especially the most vulnerable. This crisis is entirely due to our persistent dependency on fossil fuels.

Great narrative and relevant measures

Energy Cities welcomes the package’s narrative and the relevant measures it contains to support households and businesses in moving away from fossil fuels. We support the idea that clean, homegrown energy, electrification and greater system flexibility will reduce consumers’ energy bills. The package clearly demonstrates that local stakeholders, including citizens, local authorities and businesses, can contribute actively to making the energy system more secure, affordable and sustainable. This approach is endorsed by Energy Cities.

We are particularly pleased to see the key role of local authorities in supporting and engaging with citizens, especially the most vulnerable, being recognised. The package also recognise they are often insufficiently involved in policy development and lack the powers and means to deliver measures to citizens.

We also welcome the guidance that the Commission will provide on a series of issues and the action plan on energy communities. A recent European Court of Auditors’ report highlights that their potential is largely untapped.

District heating and geothermal energy could have been more highlighted

Although the package recognises the crucial role of district heating and cooling systems based on renewable energy in ensuring affordable energy, no specific measures are envisaged to boost their deployment, such as providing technical and legal assistance. Unfortunately, the focus remains on an individual approach to switching from fossil-based heating to renewables, which is not always feasible or inclusive. Despite its huge potential for use in Europe, especially at a local level, geothermal energy is not even mentioned.

The European Commission must be consistent

For Energy Cities the risk that the Citizens Energy Package remains an empty promises is high whether it is not backed by strong enforcement safeguards. That’s why the European Commission must be consistent by ensuring that the future Competitiveness Fund and National and Regional Partnership Plans provide sufficient financial resources at the local level. The future  Governance Regulation must strengthen the territorial approach of the National Energy and Climate Plans and focus on the implementation in partnership with local authorities.