In a paper published on Wednesday 6 May, ‘ENGAGER COST action’, a group of energy poverty academics and experts who are concerned about the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on energy poverty, called for a right to energy to be created.
The authors of the paper are concerned that more people will be facing energy poverty: they highlight the fact that household electricity consumption could increase by more than 10% in some countries as a result of containment measures, leading to higher bills.
‘ENGAGER COST action’ therefore believes that it is crucial to develop “a solidarity pact” to establish “a right to energy, and energy services, for all”, “to protect the most vulnerable populations”, and “to address the increasing social inequalities”.
The organisation therefore recommends that a European debate should be held on the matter.
As part of the pact, it calls for: (1) policies to be developed to identify and provide financial support for households and businesses that can no longer pay their energy bills because of the crisis ; (2) an energy poverty fund to be created to alleviate household energy debt and to help families pay their energy bills; (3) a ban on electricity supplies being cut off.
To consult the document, go to: https://bit.ly/2zirMTI (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)