How can energy communities become more socially inclusive and tackle energy poverty? A European workshop showcased inspiring examples and practical tools to make the social value of community energy projects visible and measurable.
Across Europe, energy communities are increasingly acknowledged not only as drivers of renewable energy deployment, but also as vehicles for reducing energy poverty and making the energy transition more inclusive. Yet many initiatives still struggle to reach vulnerable households and demonstrate the social value they create. The European Union has responded through legislation, obligations, and recommendations that give greater prominence to the social role of energy communities. This policy direction was reinforced by the European Commission’s 2026 Citizens Energy Package, a key deliverable of the EU’s Affordable Energy Action Plan, and the accompanying Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1007 of 30 April 2026 on supporting the development of energy communities and maximising the potential of self-consumption, including through greater social inclusiveness. Together, these measures position the EU as an important policy driver in this field.
Against this background, the Heinrich Böll Foundation Schleswig-Holstein (Böll-SH) and the Foundation’s Office in Thessaloniki hosted a joint, interactive workshop at the 2026 European Energy Communities Forum, held from 5 to 7 May in Jūrmala, Latvia. Titled “Showcasing and Measuring the Social Value of Community Energy Projects,” the workshop brought together around 60 participants across Europe to explore real-life showcases and social impact assessment tools. These themes are central to the ongoing work of the workshop co-organisers: Böll SH through the Rural Energy Communities LighthouseLV project, and the Böll Foundation’s Office in Thessaloniki.
Inclusion in Practice: European Examples
Michael Krug (Böll-SH) and Kyriaki Metaxa (Böll Office Thessaloniki) opened the event. The first part of the session highlighted community energy initiatives that actively support low-income and energy-poor households. Bente Knoll (B-NK GmbH) presented the Austrian pilot project Energy WITH Spirit, which combines renewable energy sharing with a solidarity-based approach. The model enables vulnerable and socially disadvantaged households to benefit directly from locally generated renewable energy. At least 10% of the energy generated—or the corresponding financial proceeds—is earmarked for vulnerable groups and the common good. The approach was developed and tested through pilot implementations in Bad Goisern and Vienna.
Urszula Papajak (Bündnis Bürgerenergie) shared insights from a recent study (in German) prepared by Öko-Institut commissioned by the German energy cooperative EWS Schönau. She highlighted the importance of landlord-to-tenant electricity models (German: Mieterstrom), which remain one of the most effective ways to reach low‑income households in Germany. She also pointed to the emerging potential of energy sharing, while noting that the legal and technical framework—particularly market communication processes and the delayed smart‑meter rollout—still poses significant barriers in Germany.
Additional insights from initiatives such as Community Energy Pathways (UK), EcoVision (Ireland), Énergie Partagée (France) and Goiener (Spain) broadened the European perspective. The presentations were followed by an interactive dialogue session in which participants shared experiences from their own communities. This dialogue was facilitated by Mary Bikou from the Giosi energy community (Greece). A clear takeaway emerged: promising examples abound, but substantial barriers remain. Identifying and reaching energy-poor households is particularly difficult, making trusted social institutions crucial intermediaries. Across all contributions, trust stood out as a decisive success factor for inclusive community energy. Regulated electricity prices and similar benefits can discourage vulnerable households from joining energy communities and collective energy sharing schemes. To broaden their impact, energy communities should expand beyond electricity into other sectors, particularly heating and cooling.
Tools for Measuring Social Impact of Energy Communities
The second part of the workshop focused on tools and methods that help energy communities assess and communicate their social impact. Ben White and Olie Pendered (Community Energy Pathways) shared practical approaches for mapping social value and capturing community-level outcomes in the UK context. Cécile Gueguen (Énergie Partagée/France) presented French methodologies for evaluating social engagement and tracking the wider societal benefits of citizen-led energy projects. Sara Gollessi (Enostra/Italy) described impact plan tool to help ECs to provide figures, proof for social impact asked by funders. Together, these contributions illustrated a growing European toolbox for measuring social value—ranging from qualitative storytelling to structured indicators and community-led evaluation frameworks. As the discussants highlighted, the diversity in methodologies is proving necessary in order to capture the changes brought about at the societal level. Across all examples, a clear message emerged: addressing energy poverty requires both financial resources and human capital—motivated, trained people who can accompany households throughout their energy journey.
A Shared European Momentum
The session demonstrated the growing momentum for socially inclusive community energy across Europe. By exchanging local experiences, practical tools, and citizen-centred approaches, participants strengthened a shared commitment to ensuring that the energy transition benefits everyone, especially those who need support the most. Turning this momentum into lasting impact will require trusted local partnerships, adequate financial and human resources, and robust methods for assessing social value. It will also depend on supportive national frameworks that translate the EU’s renewed policy focus into practical opportunities for vulnerable households. Expanding community action beyond electricity, particularly into heating, cooling, and renovation, can further broaden its social reach.
Background: European Energy Communities Forum 2026
REScoop.eu is the European federation of energy communities, representing a rapidly growing network of 2,500 energy communities and more than 2 million citizens across Europe. It organises the annual European Energy Communities Forum (EECF), bringing together community energy practitioners from across the continent. In 2026, the Forum was hosted by the Latvian Rural Forum, partner in the Rural Energy Community LighthouseLV project. The EECF 2026 convened 120 community energy practitioners from across Europe for three days of workshops, training sessions, and policy dialogue. Participants exchanged experiences, strengthened their skills, and contributed to advancing Europe’s energy democracy movement. Rural Energy Community LighthouseLV partners Böll-SH and the Latvian Rural Forum organised and actively contributed to several workshops and sessions.
