Socially just design of climate policy and energy policy for low-income households

The transformation of the energy system in Germany depends on a broad acceptance of the population, as it will result in fundamental changes to socio-technical structures. The consideration of social and distributional issues is therefore central for achieving the national climate policy targets and for the success of the German Energy Transition as a joint effort. Against the background of a disproportionately high energy cost burden for households with low incomes, the socially just design of the energy system transformation requires not only the adjustment of social benefits, but also to increase the energy efficiency and efficient usage of appliances for daily use, and the recognition of social challenges related to the renovation of residential buildings.

In order to successfully meet these challenges, the present final report of the research project provides a broad overview of the current state of research on energy poverty and presents comprehensive empirical results. In addition, the report also provides numerous recommendations for policy action to reduce the energy cost burden of low-income households and describes a vast number of practical tips for implementing these measures without impairing the climate policy goals of the energy transformation.