POLICY DIRECTION FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND COMBATING ENERGY POVERTY

Worldwide, the number of poor people is increasing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequent economic crisis, loss of jobs, cost of illness, and even death of adult income-earners. Worst affected are the poor and vulnerable who have inadequate resources to absorb the impact. Poor citizens may not afford sufficient energy for heating, cooling, cooking, and other energy-based services, rendering the community unsustainable. It therefore appears essential to promote a new model of sustainability that considers the political, social, financial, and environmental characteristics of the community, with a more inclusive and equitable perspective. Public finance and public authorities will play a fundamental role in the development of a fully “sustainable” economic system. With modern technology, it is possible to engage small consumers, who can optimize their consumption. The challenge in motivating consumers is to develop a new approach combining knowledge and incentives, appropriate to the needs of the most vulnerable and the energy-poor, which delivers awareness of energy choices and the active implementation of good practices.