The first meeting of the WISE Collective in Greece took place physically on Thursday, 24 October 2024, in Athens, at the Free Thinking Zone. The meeting, jointly organised by the WISE partners in Greece INZEB and Wind of Renewal, was attended by 18 people representing various target groups, namely the Municipality of Athens, the Athens Energy Poverty Alleviation Office, the Athens Coordination Center for Migrant and Refugee Issues (ACCMR), the organisations A Woman Can Be, Electra Energy, International Institute for Climate Change, Lean in Network, Melissa Network, Ukrainian Women in Greece, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
The inaugural meeting of the WISE Collective in Greece brought together diverse stakeholders to explore collaboration opportunities and processes for tackling the complex puzzle of energy poverty. A key highlight was a dynamic group exercise where participants were divided into small teams to craft a narrative around a woman experiencing energy poverty. Through this exercise, the Collective members delved into the daily challenges, obstacles, and hardships vulnerable individuals face, sparking an empathetic and solution-focused dialogue.
The meeting highlighted critical barriers within existing national energy efficiency initiatives, such as the “I Am Saving at Home” programme. The Collective members observed that participation among vulnerable groups remains alarmingly low despite favourable conditions due to financial constraints and limited access to information. Often approached for support, local authorities lack the financial capacity to address these challenges effectively.
Moreover, while energy communities present a promising path for reducing energy poverty, their high entry costs exclude the most vulnerable populations. A sad takeaway was the recognition that no current initiatives in Greece specifically target women affected by energy poverty. Discussions concluded in actionable mitigation strategies, emphasising the need for collaboration between central government bodies and civil society organisations (CSOs). Collective members agreed that isolated efforts cannot adequately address the phenomenon’s scope. Key recommendations included:
- Expanding the network of One-Stop Shops (OSSs) to meet the needs of citizens better seeking guidance on energy renovation. Many remain uncertain about the process or fear hidden costs.
- Leveraging unconventional methods—such as partnerships with pharmacies or churches—to raise public awareness about energy poverty and available solutions.
- Equipping volunteers to advise households on reducing energy consumption and improving thermal comfort levels.
A recurring theme was the necessity of collective action. Expanding participation in the WISE Collective, raising awareness of its mission, and fostering energy literacy were critical next steps. Collaborating with similar initiatives, programmes, and NGOs emerged as a strategic priority to amplify impact.
Despite logistical challenges—such as stakeholders being unable to attend the first meeting of the WISE Collective in Greece due to regional limitations or prior commitments—the meeting succeeded in fostering strong interest and engagement. Many meeting participants expressed their willingness to stay connected through regular email updates and shared resources. They are also committed to contributing their expertise and participating in future activities.
The first WISE Collective meeting in Greece was a testament to the power of collaborative effort and innovation in addressing energy poverty. The Collective is ready to create meaningful change for vulnerable populations across Greece by aligning resources, raising awareness, and fostering inclusivity.
Click the button below to download the policy observations and recommendations discussed during the 1st WISE Collective Meeting in Greece.