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Citizens energy package – protecting and empowering consumers in the just transition

Energy

A just energy transition is the one where all citizens, irrespective of where they live or how much they earn, are engaged and benefit from it. The initiative will set the vision to protect and involve consumers by enabling citizens and communities to save, produce and consume (renewable) energy; supporting vulnerable households affected by energy poverty; and turning the challenges of regions and communities affected by fossil fuel phase out into opportunities, like clean jobs creation and quality of life.

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Public consultation

ID: 14737

Lobbying Activity

45 responses

WWF EU urges binding targets to tackle energy poverty

WWF European Policy Programme, 10 Sept 2025

WWF EU advocates for binding EU targets to address energy poverty and improved public participation. They recommend integrating social criteria into renewable auctions to benefit local communities.
This strategy ensures social acceptance for renewables while securing funding for biodiversity conservation.
Large energy developers would face increased costs from mandatory revenue-sharing and complex social requirements.

Consumer group urges comprehensive energy transition protections for households

Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs, 11 Sept 2025

BEUC calls for proper implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of consumer energy rights. They demand measures against disconnection including early identification, instalment payments, and financial support. The organization requests standardised national templates for energy bills, annual best tariff advice obligations for suppliers, and clearer guidance on energy communities and energy sharing implementation.
This would ensure their members can better understand and exercise energy rights.
Energy suppliers lose flexibility in billing practices and face new obligations.

CAN Europe Urges Socially Just Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

Climate Action Network Europe, 11 Sept 2025

CAN Europe calls for a rapid fossil fuel phase-out by 2040. They demand binding standards for community energy benefits. They also advocate for banning disconnections and prioritising grants for vulnerable households.
This proposal rebalances policy to provide direct financial support and social benefits to households.
Gas distribution operators would bear decommissioning costs and lose infrastructure revenue.

SMEunited calls for small businesses to be recognised as key energy transition actors

SMEunited aisbl, 2 Sept 2025

The organization requests removal of bureaucratic barriers to self-generation and peer-to-peer energy sharing for SMEs. They want financial incentives for SMEs to join energy cooperatives, improved grid access, and tailored advisory services. They emphasize that small businesses face energy price volatility like vulnerable households.
This would reduce energy costs and enable their 25.8 million member SMEs to participate in local energy markets.

DGB Urges Structural Reforms to Tackle EU Energy Poverty

Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund, 27 Aug 2025

The DGB requests structural measures like fair wages and collective bargaining. They demand EU funding be tied to worker participation and social criteria.
Strengthening social criteria would secure union influence and promote high-quality employment.
Low-income renters lose as market-based participation models favor wealthy homeowners.

WindEurope Urges Flexible Community Rules to Protect Wind Expansion

WindEurope, 19 Aug 2025

The Commission should avoid prescriptive rules that risk limiting project flexibility. They advocate for realistic community benefits based on each project's unique economic reality.
Flexibility protects the financial viability of projects in geographically challenging or remote locations.
Inflexible ownership rules could harm less affluent communities by excluding them from project benefits.

Friends of the Earth Europe calls for community energy targets

Friends of the Earth Europe, 11 Sept 2025

Friends of the Earth Europe calls for clear EU-level targets to expand energy communities. They want to prioritize vulnerable households and prevent corporate capture of local energy initiatives. They also demand redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward tackling energy poverty.
This empowers local citizen-led initiatives over large corporations while securing dedicated funding.
Large energy corporations would lose market dominance and face stricter oversight against profit-seeking.

ENGIE Calls for Implementation Focus in Citizens Energy Package

ENGIE, 11 Sept 2025

ENGIE requests prioritizing the implementation of current rules before adding new regulation. They propose structural policies for energy poverty and transparent, simple consumer services. They also advocate for a planned 10-15 year gas phase-out.
This approach helps ENGIE avoid administrative burdens and maintains market-driven innovation.
Vulnerable households may face higher risks if disconnections are not banned during crises.

European Disability Forum Urges Inclusive and Accessible Energy Policies

European Disability Forum, 11 Sept 2025

The group demands that energy information becomes accessible for all persons with disabilities. They advocate for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels and strong disconnection protections.
The organization would secure prioritized financial grants and improved accessibility in housing renovations.
Fossil fuel companies lose significant subsidies and must adhere to strict decommissioning timelines.

Seas At Risk urges inclusive offshore renewable energy transition

Seas At Risk, 10 Sept 2025

Seas At Risk calls for mandatory environmental checks and community engagement in offshore renewable projects. They recommend using social criteria in energy auctions to ensure local benefits.
Environmental groups ensure marine protection while reducing the risk of project-stalling legal challenges.
Energy developers lose the option to bypass environmental assessments through fast-track permitting zones.

Euroheat & Power urges EU to prioritize district heating networks

Euroheat and Power, 11 Sept 2025

Euroheat & Power advocates for local heating and cooling plans to guide citizens away from fossil-fuel boilers. They request financial support to reduce connection costs and recognition for community-led heating initiatives.
Streamlined local planning would accelerate the large-scale deployment of district heating networks.
Fossil fuel boiler manufacturers lose market share as consumers transition to collective heating infrastructure.

Liquid Gas Europe Urges Technology-Neutral Support for Rural Heating

Liquid Gas Europe, 10 Sept 2025

Liquid Gas Europe requests a technology-neutral approach that includes renewable liquid gases like bioLPG. They advocate for directing Social Climate Fund resources specifically to vulnerable rural households.
This approach would protect their market share by keeping gas-based heating infrastructure viable.
Heat pump manufacturers may lose potential customers if gas boiler bans are avoided.

ICLEI Europe demands local inclusion in Citizen Energy Package

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability European Secretariat, 11 Sept 2025

Integrate local governments into the Social Climate Fund and legislative decision-making. Adopt the Fast and Fair Principles to accelerate renewable energy permitting processes. Use social criteria for planning, procurement, and the disbursement of EU funds.
Direct involvement ensures local authorities access funding and control over energy planning.
Member States lose centralized control as decision-making shifts toward local levels.

Gas Distributors urge hybrid heating systems for affordable energy transition

Gas Distributors for Sustainability, 11 Sept 2025

The organization requests policy support for hybrid heating solutions that combine electricity and renewable gas. They argue this approach makes the transition faster and more affordable by using electric heat pumps when renewable electricity is available and switching to renewable gas during cold weather or when grids are congested.
This would preserve demand for their gas distribution infrastructure and renewable gas products.
Full electrification advocates lose momentum as hybrid systems preserve fossil fuel infrastructure.

REScoop.eu Urges Action Plan for Citizen-Led Energy Communities

REScoop.eu vzw, 11 Sept 2025

REScoop.eu calls for a formal Energy Communities Action Plan to remove administrative barriers and secure grid access for citizen-led projects. They recommend a political objective of 50% community co-ownership in local renewable energy and efficiency initiatives.
The proposal would provide easier access to financing and protect local cooperatives from corporate takeover.
Large traditional energy suppliers lose market dominance as decentralised, citizen-owned energy production increases.

FEANTSA urges 100% grants to fix unfit housing for poor

Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales Travaillant avec les Sans-Abri, 10 Sept 2025

FEANTSA calls for fixing basic housing flaws like leaking roofs before pursuing electrification. They advocate for 100% grants and extending protections to firewood users.
This shift would ensure that public funds effectively reach and benefit the poorest citizens.
Wealthier households would lose the exclusive public subsidies and tax rebates they currently enjoy.

Sciaena urges coastal community focus in EU energy package

Sciaena - Ocean # Conservation # Awareness, 10 Sept 2025

Sciaena calls for dedicated financial support for coastal communities and mandatory environmental assessments for offshore energy. They demand early public participation and nature-inclusive designs to protect marine ecosystems.
Strengthening safeguards protects the marine biodiversity central to the organization's mission.
Offshore energy developers could face more stringent regulations and longer approval timelines.

ONCE Social Group Urges Stronger Protections For Disabled Energy Consumers

ORGANIZACION NACIONAL DE CIEGOS DE ESPAÑA, 10 Sept 2025

They request formal recognition of disabled households as vulnerable consumers for targeted assistance. They also seek social tariffs and protection against power disconnections for medical equipment.
Tailored financial support would reduce household energy expenses and enhance personal independence.

CEDEC urges DSO-led data management to empower energy consumers

European Federation of Local and Regional Energy Companies, 11 Sept 2025

The organization proposes assigning Distribution System Operators the role of managing metering and energy-sharing data. They suggest establishing Single Points of Contact to provide template agreements and jargon-free support. Additionally, they call for financial incentives like cost-reflective tariffs to reward grid efficiency.
Entrusting DSOs with data management reinforces the market position of regional energy companies.
Households unable to switch from fossil gas quickly face significantly higher tariffs and price volatility.

Consultation response

Nadacia Habitat for Humanity International, 11 Sept 2025

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity International and BPIE (Building Performance Institute Europe) we would like to highlight the following: The quality of ones home increasingly determines the quality of one's life. For millions of Europeans, the fate of their home rests in the hands of…

German Housing Industry Urges EU Energy Focus on Tenants

Bundesverband deutscher Wohnungs- und Immobilienunternehmen, 10 Sept 2025

The group demands EU policy prioritize rented housing to prevent transition costs from causing housing poverty. They propose subsidies for renovations and simplified rules for landlords to provide solar energy to tenants. Finally, they call for stronger oversight of district heating prices and data access.
This would help housing companies fund mandatory energy upgrades without losing tenants to high rents.
Natural monopolies in district heating would face new regulatory oversight and mandatory price transparency platforms.

Italgas warns against premature gas grid decommissioning

Italgas, 31 Jul 2025

Italgas demands a clear distinction between fuel phase-out and infrastructure decommissioning. They request ten years' notice for grid closures and financial support for residential heating transitions.
Italgas would avoid stranded assets and secure compensation for any decommissioning costs.
Low-income households and tenants face higher costs from electrification and rising gas tariffs.

EREF urges stronger market rights for energy citizens and communities

European Renewable Energies Federation asbl, 11 Sept 2025

Citizens and communities must be recognised as structural market actors with enforceable rights. Existing laws require effective implementation to allow fair participation in the energy system.
Independent producers will benefit from new payments for helping balance the grid.
Large energy companies lose their dominant position as local projects get fair treatment.

CEZ Urges EU to Avoid Direct Energy Price Regulation

CEZ, a.s., 8 Sept 2025

CEZ insists the initiative must not lead to direct regulation of energy supply prices. They request sticking to existing smart meter schedules and narrow definitions for vulnerable customers.
This approach avoids additional costs and prevents limitations on their other network investment activities.
Struggling households not meeting strict medical criteria lose access to broader energy price protections.

Consultation response

European Association for the Consumption-based billing of Energy Costs, 10 Sept 2025

WE Data Europe welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this Call for Evidence. Please find attached our position paper below. We look forward to further collaborating with the European Commission and all interested stakeholders on the development and implementation of the Citizens Energy Package.

Smart energy group urges binding EU meter rollout targets

European Smart Energy Solution Providers, 9 Sept 2025

The group requests a binding 80% smart meter rollout target for all member states by 2030. They demand real-time data access for consumers to better manage their bills. They also call for removing barriers to flexible energy consumption.
Mandatory rollouts would guarantee long-term demand for the smart meter products and services they provide.
Non-European technology providers face potential exclusion from the market due to proposed security screening.

EFIEES urges inclusion of energy performance contracts in package

European Federation of Intelligent Energy Efficiency Services, 11 Sept 2025

The federation requests the inclusion of energy management solutions like energy performance contracts in the package. They advocate for large-scale energy efficiency programs and public support for building renovations.
These measures would expand market opportunities for private energy service companies.
Fossil fuel importers lose market share as households reduce their energy reliance.

Consultation response

Techem Energy Services GmbH, 22 Aug 2025

"Energy not used is the cheapest," as Commissioner Jørgensen aptly stated. Therefore, at Techem, we strongly support the Citizens' Energy Package and welcome the opportunity to share advice based on our extensive practical experience. We serve over 13 million households worldwide and, with around…

Consultation response

YouthProAktiv, 11 Aug 2025

YouthProAktiv welcomes the European Commissions commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the energy transition. As a Brussels-based international coalition representing youth organisations across Europe, we believe that young people are essential actors in delivering the Citizens Energy…

Consultation response

Floene, S.A., 9 Sept 2025

The energy transition is one of Europe's most significant structural challenges. Achieving carbon neutrality requires innovation, investment, and regulatory clarity, but also a careful balance between climate ambition, affordability, and social justice. Success depends on ensuring that no citizen,…

Consultation response

Buildings Performance Institute Europe, BPIE ASBL, 11 Sept 2025

BPIE's feedback is attached in the enclosed PDF.

Consultation response

Cool Heating Coalition, 10 Sept 2025

The Cool Heating Coalition, representing civil society on heating and cooling, recommends the following to enable citizens to fully participate in the energy transition: First, ensure a just transition by addressing energy poverty, enforcing consumer rights and protections, and providing accessible…

Consultation response

Plexigrid AB, 11 Sept 2025

Please see Plexigrid's feedback on the Citizens Energy Package in the attached document.

Consultation response

The Green Tank, 9 Sept 2025

The Green Tank welcomes the committee's initiative to introduce the Citizens Energy Package. The EU must systematically integrate just transition principles into its policy frameworks, ensuring that social fairness, citizen participation, and consumer protection are not treated as add-ons but as…

Consultation response

European Association for Innovation in Local Development - Association Européenne pour l'Innovation dans le Développement Local, 4 Sept 2025

This contribution is submitted by AEIDL (the European Association for Innovation in Local Development), grounded on the evidence of the Horizon projects FUTURAL, SMARTERA, RURACTIVE. AEIDL objective is to contribute to bringing the EU closer to its citizens and to promote interaction at the local…

Consultation response

Associazione Nazionale Industriali Gas, 11 Sept 2025

Please find attached Proxigas remarks in response to the European Commissions open feedback request on the Citizens Energy Package.

Consultation response

Réseau Cler, 11 Sept 2025

Disclaimer: this text has been prepared in the context of the Knowledge Community organised by Heinrich Böll Stiftung and Green European Foundation. This input is a work in progress for a policy brief, which will be published after the consultation on the Citizens Energy Package closes. Please find…

U.Di.Con. urges EU action to combat rising energy poverty

U.Di.Con. APS Unione per la Difesa dei Consumatori, 10 Sept 2025

U.Di.Con. requests financial aid for vulnerable citizens and standardized energy laws across all EU countries. They also demand education programs to help consumers navigate newly liberalized markets.
Empowering consumer groups would provide U.Di.Con. with more authority and political weight in Europe.
Legacy energy monopolies lose their captive customer base as consumers become more educated and active.

Consultation response

European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability, 1 Aug 2025

The evidence suggests that multiple barriers prevent citizen engagement in energy communities and other aspects of the energy transition. In particular, citizens and local communities often lack the skills, resourcing and organisational capacity to engage in energy initiatives. ECOLISE calls for…

Consultation response

European Youth Energy Network, 11 Sept 2025

Young people are among those most exposed to energy poverty, yet they are often overlooked in energy policy. Many live in rented homes where they cannot influence efficiency upgrades or energy contracts, leaving them vulnerable to high bills and unfair rent increases after renovations. At the same…

Consultation response

Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Materiales Aislantes, 8 Sept 2025

The objective of leaving no one behind in the energy transition is multi-faceted. Among the aspects indicated in this consultation, there are references to the complexity and cost for consumers of "accessing to energy efficiency options" and "providing an effective response to demand". In addition,…

Consultation response

, 5 Sept 2025

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, a Citizens Energy Package worth it's name must surely include provisions for the EU-wide legal implementation of the fastest rising citizen energy technology, which is plug-in solar (aka balcony solar). With about 5 million households in Germany already using the…

DECO calls for mandatory targets to eradicate energy poverty

Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor, 5 Sept 2025

DECO calls for mandatory targets to end energy poverty by 2050 and protections against utility disconnections. They also demand standardized energy bills and specific support for local renewable energy communities.
These measures would empower consumers while reducing the complexity and opacity of energy markets.
Energy suppliers would face higher compliance costs and stricter limitations on debt collection practices.

Consultation response

Innosphere Consulting, 2 Sept 2025

I welcome the European Commissions continued commitment to advancing the Citizens Energy Package as a cornerstone of a just and inclusive transition. Having worked as both a policymaker and a researcher, I have seen firsthand how the integration of robust evidence and policy insight can accelerate…

Consultation response

stichting European Anti Poverty Network Nederland, 20 Jul 2025

EAPN NL welcomes this new initiative, which includes people on low incomes in the crucial energy transition. However, what's missing is the impetus to quickly and efficiently insulate rental properties, especially older ones. This is not only to save energy, but also to protect against the…