[EA18] Clean heating: Ensuring low-income households aren’t left out in the cold

Hans De Keulenaer

April 26, 2023 14:35 Updated

Although the 2022-2023 heating season is nearly in the rearview mirror, its impacts will not fade quickly. As policymakers in Europe continue to wrestle with finding the most cost-effective way to supply clean heat, low-income households are still contending with steep rises in their heating bills. The high price of fossil fuels has rendered all forms of heating less affordable. To ensure clean heat is truly for all, a vital part of the solution will need to tackle the barriers low-income households face in accessing clean technologies.

On 26 April, the Electrification Academy welcomed RAP senior advisor Duncan Gibb to share the findings from his co-authored study Taking the burn out of heating for low-income households. He will delve into:

The need to decarbonise heating while making it more affordable.
The total cost of owning heat pumps vs. prevailing fossil fuel systems.
Innovative examples of targeted programmes from across Europe to bring clean heating to low-income households.
Strategies to secure affordable and safe clean heat for low-income households.
Five principles for ensuring policy supports low-income and energy-poor households.