What are the Commissioner-designates’ strategies for tackling energy poverty?

Ahead of the upcoming Commissioner hearings, organisations campaigning for the right to energy have called on Dan Jørgensen (Energy & Housing) and Teresa Ribera (Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition) to ask about their ambitions for the energy transition and tackling the root causes of energy poverty.

The Commissioner hearings will take place between 4 and 12 November are a great opportunity for the Commissioners-designate to affirm their commitment to advancing and strengthening the European Green Deal. The right to energy coalition expects the College of Commissioners to take decisive action and take tangible steps in order to create a socially just and climate neutral energy system for all.

It is time that the EU prioritises the measures that could end energy poverty once and for all.

Questions below:

Dan Jørgensen – Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing 

1. Renovating the current housing stock is a key measure for addressing energy poverty, a priority outlined in your Mission Letter. However, renovations are not explicitly mentioned. Would you not agree that home renovations should be a central part of the strategy to address the energy poverty and housing crises?
2. Your mission letter outlines a Citizens Energy Package, a European Affordable Housing Plan, and an Action Plan for Affordable Energy Prices. How do you plan to coordinate these initiatives effectively to help low-income households renovate their homes, reduce energy bills, and address energy poverty?

Teresa Ribera – Executive Vice-President-designate for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

1. In your Mission Letter, you are tasked with addressing energy poverty as part of addressing the housing crisis. What will be your key priorities to ensure that no one is left behind in the dark and struggling with energy poverty?