CommonEn: A Greek model for tackling energy poverty

Tackling Energy Poverty with Renewable Energy: The CommonEn Community in Ioannina

A Community-Led Solution to Rising Energy Costs

In the picturesque Greek city of Ioannina, a pioneering energy community called CommonEn is paving the way for a sustainable future by harnessing renewable energy to combat energy poverty. As energy prices soar across central and eastern Europe, this grassroots initiative offers a beacon of hope for households struggling to afford basic energy needs. Established in 2021, CommonEn has grown rapidly, now boasting 53 members and 181 beneficiaries who benefit directly from its innovative approach. The community produces solar energy and integrates it with urban agriculture under a unique system called "agri-photovoltaics," where solar panels are installed above vegetable crops. This dual-use approach maximizes land productivity while addressing both energy and food security challenges. By combining energy generation with sustainable farming, CommonEn is creating a model that supports economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Empowering Communities, Reducing Energy Bills

The impact of CommonEn is evident in the lives of its members. Theodora Dulia, one of the community members, shared her experience with Euronews, stating that her electricity bills have decreased by approximately 60%. "We pay about 60% less on electricity bills," she explained. This significant reduction is a result of the community’s focus on self-consumption of energy. Two 100 kWp solar parks have been installed under a virtual net metering system, allowing members to use the energy they generate rather than feeding it back into the grid. This setup ensures that the benefits stay within the community, fostering energy independence and financial relief. The project has also created new job opportunities, contributing to the local economy and strengthening social bonds among members. "Members of the community have common goals and we support each other," Dulia added, highlighting the sense of unity and shared purpose that drives the initiative.

Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Impact

Despite its success, the journey for CommonEn was not without obstacles. Initial skepticism from locals and regulatory challenges posed significant hurdles. However, after overcoming these barriers, the community began to see tangible results. By February 2024, members started receiving negative energy bills, a testament to the project’s effectiveness. Dimitris Kitsikopoulos, co-founder of CommonEn and President of the Greek Federation for Energy Communities, reflected on the community’s progress. "It took us about two years for members to see reduced bills," he said. "Yet, then there was a lot of interest. Every day, people called us and said, ‘My cousin became a member, I want to join. My aunt joined the group, I want to join too.’ So we built a second solar park and are moving on to the next one." This organic growth highlights the project’s popularity and the demand for sustainable, community-driven energy solutions.

The Broader Context of Energy Poverty in Europe

CommonEn’s success story is set against the backdrop of a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are costly, unreliable, and vulnerable to geopolitical instability. Between 2021 and 2022, energy prices in southern and eastern Europe saw some of the steepest increases in the continent. Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary each recorded rises of 13-19%, while the Czech Republic experienced a staggering 38% increase. By 2024, electricity prices in Greece more than doubled, and other southeastern European countries faced energy price spikes ranging from 50% to 170%. These steep increases have exacerbated energy poverty, a pressing issue for millions of households across Europe.

The Role of Renewable Energy Communities in the Energy Transition

Renewable energy communities like CommonEn are playing a crucial role in the European Union’s (EU) energy transition. These communities empower citizens, small businesses, and local authorities to produce, manage, and consume their own renewable energy. There are currently over 9,000 such communities in the EU, but their distribution is uneven. While western Europe has seen significant growth, countries in eastern Europe, such as Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia, lag behind due to systemic challenges. Laura De Rosa, a Regional Renewable Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace, noted, "There are already over 9,000 energy communities all over Europe, but there is definitely a stark difference between western and eastern Europe. When we look at Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, then the numbers are very very low. It’s still quite problematic and difficult there for citizens to access these resources."

Energy Poverty: A Persistent Challenge

Energy poverty, defined as the inability to afford adequate, affordable, and reliable energy services, remains a significant issue in Europe. It affects over 41 million people (11% of the EU population), with disproportionately high rates in eastern European countries. In Greece, for instance, 58% of households experience energy poverty, which has severe consequences for health, well-being, and social inclusion. Those affected often face psychological distress due to the financial burden of unaffordable energy bills. Renewable energy communities like CommonEn offer a promising solution to this crisis by providing affordable, sustainable energy and fostering collective action. If replicated and supported at scale, such initiatives could play a transformative role in reducing energy poverty and advancing Europe’s transition to a renewable energy future. With the potential to mobilize over €200 billion for the energy transition by 2030 and generate more than 50% of the EU’s energy by 2050, these communities are not only combating energy poverty but also building resilient, sustainable societies.