Athens municipality waives fees for vulnerable households to combat Energy poverty

The Mayor of Athens, Charis Doukas, announced a series of social and infrastructure initiatives to combat energy poverty during an event in Nicosia, Cyprus.

He met with the Cyprus Minister of Energy, Michalis Damianou, and the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, to discuss the regional impact of the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection. Doukas stated that this interconnection could reduce electricity prices in Cyprus by up to 20% and save consumers in both countries up to 140 million euros annually.

The Athens Municipality has implemented a protection network for residents facing high energy costs through the Energy Poverty Management Office (GAEF). This office provides residents with energy mentors, digital tools to evaluate consumption, and suggestions for home upgrades. To date, the municipality has registered approximately 1,000 households through this office, with women making up 72% of the beneficiaries. The local government has provided direct financial relief and equipment to vulnerable groups.

The municipality waived municipal fees for 250 energy-vulnerable households and secured free electricity for single-parent families for 22 years. Additionally, the municipality distributed 100,000 LED bulbs and 100 free air conditioning units to those in need. More than 450 households received an Energy Benefit Card to access discounts on energy upgrade products and services. Athens is also upgrading municipal infrastructure to improve efficiency.

The municipality plans to install sensors and telemetry systems in 300 schools to monitor electricity, water, and fuel consumption in real time. These systems will use artificial intelligence to identify cases of excessive consumption. The city also plans to develop photovoltaic installations in schools and operate the Serafeio as a center for green innovation.