The upcoming Citizens Energy Package presents a unique opportunity to put people, not fossil fuels, at the center of Europe’s energy future. It is intended to boost consumers’ ability to take part in the energy transition and enjoy the benefits.
CAN Europe together with its members prepared their contribution for the Package, urging policymakers to prioritise lowering energy prices, protecting vulnerable households, and giving communities real ownership of the transition. The Package should lay the groundwork for well-designed policies that enable citizens to benefit from cheaper renewable energy and a more flexible system. With renewable power increasingly the lowest-cost option, the package must ensure that savings are passed on to households across Europe and that benefits of the transition are fairly shared.
Crucially, the Citizens Energy Package is an opportunity to prevent vulnerable households from being locked into fossil fuel dependency and higher energy prices. Clear strategies to eradicate energy poverty and incentivise energy savings must be at its core, offering targeted support and protection to the most vulnerable, with strong and consistent implementation of the EU energy directives’ (Electricity Market, Buildings’ performance). Citizens must be able to manage consumption, benefit from decentralised renewables, and be rewarded fairly. Retail pricing mechanisms (like dynamic tariffs) can incentivise demand-side flexibility and lower bills and flexibility schemes should help households afford smart appliances.
Beyond households, the Citizens Energy Package can give communities real ownership of the transition. Communities hosting renewable energy projects should have the right to participate meaningfully and to share fairly in the benefits. To achieve this, the Package must set binding EU-wide standards for community engagement and benefit sharing.
The full text of the briefing:
For more information please contact:
Katarzyna Piasecka, communications coordinator, katarzyna.piasecka@caneurope.org, + 48 516634366.
