Energy poverty is no longer a niche issue. In the climate and energy model region (KEM) Schöcklland – a joint project of the municipalities Stattegg, Weinitzen, St. Radegund, Kumberg and Eggersdorf – it is increasingly becoming apparent that many people in the region are affected by energy poverty.
GRAZ SURROUNDINGS. The KEM initiative aims to promote sustainable and climate-friendly development and to develop solutions to the population’s growing energy problems. Energy poverty primarily affects households at risk of poverty, which suffer the most from the consequences of the climate crisis despite the lowest CO₂ emissions.
Cover electricity costs
For many of those affected, it is an enormous challenge to heat their homes sufficiently or cover electricity costs. This is often due to outdated and inefficient equipment or buildings that are neither energy friendly nor well insulated. This creates an additional burden that severely affects everyday life and quality of life. A lack of mobility and limited access to means of communication further exacerbate the social isolation of many affected people.
But there is also support: numerous advice and support offers are intended to relieve those affected. Programs such as “Heating and renovation for all” offer up to 100 percent funding for energy-saving renovations and the replacement of inefficient household appliances. KEM Schöcklland works closely with social organizations and partners to make advice and support even more accessible.
Advice and challenges
Martin Irmer, project manager at KEM Schöcklland since August 2023, is available to citizens for all questions relating to energy and climate issues. The consultations take place regularly in all five communities. The project is supported by the Federal Government’s Climate and Energy Fund, which also supports Caritas Steiermark’s energy saving and device replacement advice.
In addition, KEM and Caritas are developing an energy consulting network together with the Red Cross (Mobile Pflege Kumberg) and the Hügelland-Schöcklland pastoral care area. The aim is to improve the accessibility of the offers and thus reach even more people in the region. In a network consisting of various social institutions, access to energy advice should be low-threshold and direct. The KEM Schöcklland initiative shows that even major challenges such as energy poverty can be addressed in a strong community.
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