THE STEP-IN PROJECT.
STEP-IN is a coordination and support project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.
The project develops an innovative global methodology for the effective analysis and tackling of energy poverty. It aims to develop methods and knowledge about how enhanced energy efficiency can improve quality of life and overall comfort levels.
STEP-IN consists of a network of Living Labs across Europe. Through a strong Network of Interest, STEP-IN engages with local, national and EU organisations and experts to define policies for reducing energy poverty.
The STEP-IN consortium brings together a wide expertise in the area of energy poverty: research institutes, universities, municipalities, energy providers, charities, consumer associations and regulatory authorities. Together, these partners are dedicated to make a difference in the lives of those in need.


STEP-IN Focus Areas.
Consumer focus
- Improve energy literacy and awareness for consumers affected by energy poverty
- Support behaviour change to improve comfort levels and reduce energy costs
- Enable informed decisions on energy efficiency and consumption
- Use of communication tools to assist decision making
- Minimise rebound effects
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Advise on available refurbishment and renewable energy programmes
- Evaluate the impact of the above actions on the lives of those in need
Methodological focus
- Provide a global methodology to be adopted and adapted by all actors and authorities working in the field of energy poverty
- Make Living Lab designs and methodologies freely available for others
- Iteratively evaluate results to refine and improve methodologies and develop new ones
- Prove concepts in the Living Labs
- Assess indicators and predictors for energy poverty
- Assess the impact of measures and methodologies
policy focus
- Create a network of partners and supporters to shape future policy and research needs
- Foster collaboration to derive concrete actions to tackle energy poverty
- Set-up working groups on different topics to provide policy recommendations
- Publish results in workshops, policy meetings, public events and reports
- Connect with other existing projects in the field of energy poverty and act in concert