Miguel is part of a citizen-led initiative by the Local Partnership of Telheiras and the Lumiar Parish Council to locally produce and distribute renewable energy. A solar park will be installed on the rooftop of a municipal building to supply sixteen households with electricity to heat and light their homes.

In a step to address energy poverty, the energy community includes vulnerable socio-economic households. These families will be able to enjoy the benefits of sharing sustainable energy without the financial investment. The other families and the parish council will cover all initial costs.

Miguel and his colleagues wanted to engage people who are difficult to reach, unaware or unable to access the benefits of an equal, sustainable energy system. Energy communities offer people the opportunity to get involved in producing energy, collaborating on local projects, and sharing information. In that, they bring us a step closer to eradicating energy poverty.

What is needed for change?

Technical and financial support for energy communities to ensure they can include vulnerable households in their initiatives. Easy access to renewable energy and energy sharing initiatives must enable vulnerable households to benefit from sustainable, clean energy and prevent the worsening of existing inequalities to prevent a potential backlash against the energy transition.