Enhance Energy Democracy by addressing Energy Vulnerability (GRATH0005)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Athens, Greece, 2025 – 2028
Inception Report Summary: Inception Report – Action plan – Athens, Greece, 2025 – 2028
Commitment Start: Aug 2025
Commitment End: Aug 2028
Institutions involved:
- City of Athens, Department of Technology, IT and Communications
- Develop Athens, Office for Energy Poverty Response (GAEF)
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Access to information
- Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability
- Civic Participation
Inception Report Summary
Verifiable: Yes
Relevance to OGP Values: Yes
The commitment is a new regulation, policy, practice or requirement.
The commitment activities will result in a change of the rules, practices or policies that govern a policy area, public sector and/or relationship between citizens and is binding or institutionalized across government or specific institution(s).
Description
Commitment ID
GRATH0005
Commitment Title
Enhance Energy Democracy by addressing Energy Vulnerability
Problem
Energy poverty remains one of the most pressing social and environmental problems in Athens, with many citizens unable to heat or cool their homes adequately. The causes are found in the combination of low incomes, high energy costs and a building stock with insufficient energy efficiency (partial or complete lack of thermal insulation, old window frames, etc.). Millions of people across Europe were unable to heat their homes adequately in the winter of 2021-22, when the latest energy crisis began, due to the increase in the prices of natural gas, heating oil and electricity, combined with successive waves of price increases in basic consumer goods. Although there is no common European definition for the phenomenon, the European Union has recognized the criticality of the phenomenon and its negative impacts, which translate into serious health problems, deprivation and social isolation. Many households in Athens face energy poverty due to low income, high energy prices and lower quality housing, resulting in the inability to meet basic energy needs and increased environmental impact.
Status quo
The Municipality of Athens established the Office for Combating Energy Poverty (GAEF) in May 2024. Since its establishment, GAEF has identified ~500 energy-vulnerable households through surveys. The decision of the city council of January 2025 grants a full exemption from municipal fees for energy-vulnerable households. A pilot program for the replacement of electrical appliances is planned for 2026. The current digital platform offers only basic information. Citizens can receive their personalized report for their home and personalized solutions for energy upgrade interventions. Beneficiaries are also provided with an Energy Benefit Card, offering access to privileges and services that contribute to reducing energy costs.
Beneficiaries can also receive information on energy intervention programs, while also receiving advice on how they can improve the thermal comfort of their homes and reduce household energy costs and the cost of their bills. Households that meet the criteria of the National Energy and Climate Plan are exempt from municipal lighting and cleaning fees, reducing their financial burden. Phaethon Energy Community and the Athens Energy Alliance have already been established, for the production of clean energy with a social dimension, while energy interventions in schools and municipal buildings are expected to begin with the aim of reducing energy consumption and their operating costs.
Action
The Municipality of Athens will proceed with the strengthening of the Energy Poverty Office through the development of a single digital platform of the "one-stop shop" type, which will gather self-assessment tools and information on energy saving interventions and participation in energy communities. Financial tools and information actions will be utilized to enhance citizens' access to RES and affordable energy. The creation of the Phaethon Energy Community and the Athens Energy Alliance will be utilized to expand the production of clean energy with a social dimension. The installation of photovoltaics in schools and municipal buildings will also be implemented, with the aim of reducing energy costs and increasing the energy self-sufficiency of public infrastructure.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
The commitment will address energy poverty through the implementation of targeted interventions that reduce the number of households in energy poverty and improve energy efficiency in vulnerable housing, leading to lower energy consumption and costs. It will also empower citizens through their active participation in energy communities and decision-making processes, while raising awareness and providing education on energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
The commitment to strengthening energy democracy and addressing energy vulnerability is directly linked to the strategic objective of the Municipality of Athens to ensure equal access to critical services and goods, empowering citizens - especially vulnerable groups - through transparent, participatory and evidence-based interventions. Through the digital “one-stop shop” platform and the interconnection of social and energy policy, the commitment embodies the values of accountability, access to information and citizen participation. It reflects the Municipality’s commitment to transform open governance into a tool for social justice and sustainable local development.
Primary Policy Area
Right to Information, Safety Nets & Economic Inclusion
Primary Sector
Environment & Climate, Public Services (general)
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Access to information | The commitment promotes awareness and education about energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, ensuring that citizens - especially vulnerable groups - have access to clear, actionable information about energy saving measures, available support programs, and how to participate in energy communities. |
| Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability | The implementation includes digital tools for energy monitoring, data sharing and public dashboards, while the engagement leverages technology to enhance transparency on energy use, intervention outcomes and resource allocation, supporting informed oversight and citizen trust. |
| Civic Participation | By encouraging citizen participation in energy communities and decision-making processes, engagement promotes meaningful public participation. It empowers individuals and communities to co-create and influence energy-related initiatives, ensuring that solutions are shaped by those directly affected. |