In the absence of clear definitions and enabling policy frameworks, energy communities (ECs) often face heavy administrative burdens and encounter difficulties in safeguarding the democratic and social aims of the EC movement.
Without effective policy, ECs may also find it hard to obtain or access vital data and resources needed to meet legal and policy obligations to support project planning and development. In worst-case scenarios, the staff time and costs associated with tracking down such information, eventually meeting requirements, or attempting to influence policy can undermine the viability of business models that place delivering social value over earning profits.
CEES actions in the policy space
To advocate for change when ineffective policies were uncovered, CEES Partners wrote letters to policy makers and political leaders, outlining the problems and possible solutions. In each country, CEES Partners also participated in diverse local and national events, and organised high-level policy meetings.
Actively engaging in such dialogues created an opportunity to convey the knowledge CEES Partners have acquired by having close relations with the ‘experts’ who are most often underrepresented – i.e. those facing situations of energy vulnerability. Helping other stakeholders and policy makers understand the persistent policy barriers can trigger more effective action to address them.
Examples of progressive policy
While progress is slow overall, some inspiring practices are coming to the fore across Europe. In the recent funding call for ECs in Just Transition areas (under the Recovery and Resilience Facility), Greece focused on collective self-consumption projects to combat energy poverty. Lithuania and Latvia are using a similar approach to ‘tie’ funding calls with broader strategies to tackle energy poverty.[1] Showcasing inspiring practices from other Member States is tremendously valuable for demonstrating what is possible and applying a degree of peer pressure.
A few thoughts on internal policies for ECs
Setting clear, long-term goals that can be achieved by ‘working through’ a series of near-term objectives is fundamental to setting up ECs and to forging ahead with solidarity activities. Building in resilience implies allowing for an appropriate degree of flexibility along the way.
When it comes to the uncertainty linked to evolving policy and regulatory frameworks, staying informed is critical to resilience. Establishing strong stakeholder and advocacy networks – e.g. with other ECs, energy poverty/justice NGOs, and local or regional authorities – will strengthen everyone’s capacity to follow the full range of relevant frameworks. It will also empower solidarity partners to engage more effectively in dialogues about developing favourable and stable policy frameworks.
ECs also need to put in place solid risk management strategies. One key aspect in this regard includes boosting financial resilience by diversifying funding sources, which is covered in more detail in a series of blogs on financing energy solidarity.
Click through to learn more on ‘legal and regulatory’:
- Evolution of Energy Policy in the EU
- Legal and Policy Frameworks for Energy Poverty
- Effective Energy Policy for Energy Solidarity
[1] https://rescoop.eu/toolbox/repowereu-the-seeds-are-planted-now-the-persistent-gardening-begins