On Monday, December 11, 2023, a workshop addressing energy poverty in support of the European Climate Pact was held at the Ecological Education Centre "Ekosynteza" in Bielsko-Biała. The event was a platform to unite various stakeholders, including city officials from the Departments of Environment and Energy, Social Policy, and Housing, representatives from the Social Welfare Centre in Bielsko-Biała, City Wardens, and community members actively engaged in addressing the needs of city residents on a daily basis.
Anna Jaskuła, the director of the Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités," welcomed the participants. The event included discussions on the outcomes of the "Energy Measures" programme, a presentation on the implementation of activities in Bielsko-Biała, and an overall summary of the entire project. Attendees were informed that the programme directly impacted 450 households, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption by 110,756.6 kWh (approximately 17%). Furthermore, it facilitated the dissemination of knowledge, sharing of good practices, and the promotion of awareness among residents. The programme also tested effective methods of cooperation and communication with residents while obtaining valuable data for local documents.
The second part of the meeting focused on planning measures to address energy poverty. The presentation covered the definition of energy poverty, its causes and consequences, the current situation in Poland and Europe, the crucial role of local authorities, factors that are helpful for the identification of those experiencing energy poverty, and the stages involved in combating this issue. Examples of successful practices involving vulnerable groups of citizens were shared. Participants were also acquainted with the process of identifying energy poverty through the seven steps outlined by the EPAH. Lastly, Learn & Share Session for Climate Pact Ambassadors took place in a hybrid format.
On that very day, a ceremony to award prizes to the winners of the 'Energy Measures' competition took place, with the Deputy Mayor of the City of Bielsko-Biała, Adam Ruśniak, in attendance.
As part of the programme, residents of Bielsko-Biała took part in a comprehensive counselling process on rational energy use and received a set of personalised tips to reduce consumption without financial outlay. The programme was aimed at people who want to use energy consciously, reduce consumption without reducing their living comfort, and find simple and inexpensive solutions to make better use of energy.
The competition provided participants with the opportunity to win valuable white goods prizes in two primary categories: saving electricity and saving heat. In addition, extra prizes were presented to the first 50 individuals who submitted their details as part of the competition – small energy-saving appliances.
The presentation of the awards marked the official conclusion of the “EnergyMeasures” Programme.
