About STEP-IN.

Improving energy efficiency and comfort levels.

STEP-IN develops a global methodology for the effective analysis and tackling of energy poverty. STEP-IN has identified three highly challenging locations with diverse characteristics across Europe including: a mountainous region in Greece, a rural area in Hungary and an urban area in the UK with low quality housing. Within each of these areas there are a range of vulnerable consumers. At each of these locations a Living Lab is being set up which brings together local experts and stakeholders with energy poor consumers. These labs consist of a range of approaches including energy cafes, advisor visits and ICT systems. The ICT tools provided by STEP-IN support consumers, advisors and local stakeholder organisations to make effective decisions.

The emphasis of STEP-IN is on improving people’s quality of life through maintaining or improving comfort levels while at the same time encouraging more efficient energy usage.

Rod McCall

STEP-IN Coordinator, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

High voltage circuit breaker in a power substation
Close Up Of Man Setting Economy Cycle On Dishwasher
Senior Couple Meeting With Male Financial Advisor At Home
Thermal insulation of windows
Burning bulb shines weakly on the background blurred yellow lights
Senior Woman Trying To Keep Warm Under Blanket At Home Looking Off Camera
Black power plug and money - concept of cost of energy
cooking coffee on gas stove
Final notice bill, either you pay or power will be turn off
Street light / power cables in down town Africa
Woman accountant or bank worker uses calculator.
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Energy poverty is a serious and growing problem in Europe which only recently has started to attract broader attention. For many years, the common causes of energy poverty have been understood as: (i) low-incomes; (ii) poor thermal efficiency of housing and poor energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems and appliances; (iii) high energy prices.

STEP-IN aims to have a long-term impact in the area of energy poverty as it engages in policy at local, national and EU levels. It develops tools and a roadmap for researchers, practitioners and organisations working in the field which allow for the identification of new areas of research, aspects which require further development and policy. From a longer term perspective STEP-IN will report on the role of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) programmes and match this to appropriate funding approaches in each Living Lab. It will also engage key stakeholders and decision makers in order to bring long-term benefits to energy poor communities either through providing sustainable approaches or through policy initiatives. STEP-IN aims to bring the results directly to those working with energy poor consumers and those who influence policy long after the project has ended.

Energy Poverty in Europe.

European 220 volt plug and chart

Information and Indicators.

In general terms, energy poverty is defined as a situation in which a household is unable to attain sufficient levels of energy services (such as heating, cooling, and lighting).

According to the EU Energy Poverty Observatory (EPOV), ‘Energy Poverty is a multi-dimensional concept that is not easily captured by a single indicator’. Four primary indicators are used in combination to measure energy poverty and view the issue from different perspectives, depending on context, country and household circumstances.

%

Arrears on utility bills (EU average, 2016)

%

Inability to keep home adequately warm (EU average, 2016)

%

High share of energy expenditure in income (EU average, 2010)

%

Hidden energy poverty (EU average, 2010)

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