For any city’s climate transition to be effective and sustainable, it will also have to be just – ready to support its poorest and most vulnerable citizens. In our first guest blog outside the NetZeroCities consortium, Vangelis Marinakis, an assistant professor at the National Technical University of Athens and president of DAEM, the city’s IT company, explains how Greece’s capital is doing so, from a one-stop-shop to counter energy poverty, to waiving municipal fees for energy-poor households. 

Imagine a city where energy vulnerability is not just acknowledged but actively addressed, setting a new standard for equity and sustainability. Last week, Athens became that city, making history as the first in Europe to eliminate municipal fees for energy-poor households (among other vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, single-parent families, and families with three or more children).  

This groundbreaking measure, introduced by Mayor Haris Doukas, directly alleviates financial burdens on those affected by energy poverty.  

It aligns seamlessly with the Climate City Contract (CCC) of Athens, namely a Green Social Contract to create a more humane city, to strengthen its social cohesion, to improve its neighbourhoods and reduce spatial inequalities. 

Understanding Energy Poverty: A Multidimensional Challenge 

Energy poverty is not just about low income—it is the result of intersecting challenges: a) Low household income, b) High energy prices, and c) Energy inefficient homes. 

In this context, and taking into consideration the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP, updated in 2024), the City of Athens will offer relief to energy-poor households that meet two clear, data-driven criteria: 

  • Condition I: The household’s total annual energy consumption is less than 80% of the minimum required energy consumption based on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). 
  • Condition II: The household’s annual net income is less than 60% of the national median equivalent income, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). 

By adopting these criteria, the city ensures that support reaches those most in need while maintaining transparency and fairness. 

A Holistic Framework for Support 

Athens’ response to energy poverty is far more than financial relief—it is a comprehensive approach that promotes long-term sustainability.  

Through the establishment of the Energy Poverty Alleviation Office, an initiative of the Mayor Haris Doukas, the city offers the following services:  

  • Guidance and Application Support: Assistance in compiling required documentation and navigating the application process ensures accessibility for all eligible households. 
  • Energy Profile Evaluation: Detailed assessments of energy use enables the identification of inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in homes. 
  • Tailored Solutions for Energy Efficiency: Beyond immediate financial support, the office proposes actionable recommendations to enhance energy performance, fostering resilience for the future. 

Athens as a Blueprint for Europe

Athens’ ambitious yet practical initiative has already drawn interest from cities and networks across Europe. By developing and implementing a replicable, evidence-based framework, Athens offers a roadmap for other municipalities committed to achieving equitable energy transitions.

The city’s approach also draws on insights from the EU-funded POWERPOOR and ASSERT projects, which emphasise community-driven solutions for energy poverty, as well as the recent Athens’ Pilot Cities Programme Activity (ASCEND), funded through the EU Cities Mission and supported by NetZeroCities, the Mission platform. By combining local action with European collaboration, Athens highlights the potential of cities to drive impactful, scalable change.

Athens’ historic move on energy equity is a reminder that bold, thoughtful policies can transform lives and inspire a more just, sustainable future for all.