ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.
VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund: A Holistic Approach to Tackling Energy Poverty in Austria
The VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund, in partnership with Caritas Austria, stands out as an example of how community-focused initiatives can alleviate energy poverty while promoting sustainability. This initiative primarily supports low-income households burdened by above-average energy consumption due to outdated household appliances or inefficient heating systems.
At its core lies a three-pillar approach:
– Professional Energy Consulting
Certified energy consultants, operating across Austria, visit Caritas-supported households to identify energy-saving opportunities. They recommend solutions such as energy-efficient appliances, improved insulation, and other measures to optimise energy usage.
– Replacement of Inefficient Appliances
Through a collaboration with BSH Hausgeräte Gesellschaft mbH (a leading European manufacturer of household appliances), energy-draining appliances are replaced with energy-saving ones. This partnership ensures long-term reductions in energy consumption and costs for households.
– Bridging Financial Assistance
For households struggling to pay electricity bills, the fund provides prompt support, preventing power disconnection. However, this aid is conditional upon the implementation of recommended energy-saving measures, ensuring sustainable outcomes.
The initiative supports approximately 400 to 500 households annually, providing not only financial relief but also the tools and knowledge to achieve sustainable energy efficiency. VERBUND, Austria’s leading electricity provider and a major hydropower producer in Europe, finances the energy consulting and manages logistics, including the delivery of replacement appliances.
This programme highlights the transformative power of partnerships, combining the expertise of local energy consultants, non-profits like Caritas, and industry leaders like BSH Hausgeräte. Its replicable model demonstrates how collaboration can lead to a lasting energy-saving turnaround, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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