European energy co-op federation REScoop.eu has welcomed the European Commission\u2019s proposals on citizen-owned local renewables, but calls for stronger \u2018enforcement safeguards\u2019.<\/p>\n
The Citizens Energy Package<\/a> is a raft of proposals on ways to deliver an inclusive energy transition. It focuses on increasing community-owned energy tenfold by 2030 as well as improving the availability of renewable energy.<\/p>\n Documents explaining the package<\/a> say: \u201cCitizens \u2013 for instance, farmers, rural inhabitants , small-business owners or kindergartens \u2013 should be able to team up and produce and share their self-produced energy. <\/p>\n \u201cThis takes pressure off local energy grids and prevents unnecessary investments in energy infrastructure. The financial and technical requirements to set up energy communities should be clear and simple\u2026 The Citizens Energy Package aims as well to tackle energy poverty \u2013 a serious situation currently faced by too many citizens in the EU, and disproportionately affecting groups in situations of vulnerability, and in rural or remote areas, outermost regions and islands.\u201d<\/p>\n REScoop.eu<\/a> has welcomed these proposals, saying they have the potential to unleash the potential of energy communities. But it criticised the \u201cvoluntary nature\u201d of the measures, warning that \u201cwithout binding enforcement mechanisms, the ambitious goals of the Citizens Energy Package will most likely be missed\u201d. <\/p>\n Related: Rescoop musters support as it campaigns for inclusive EU planning<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It is now calling on the EU and member stages to introduce \u201coversight mechanisms to prevent corporate capture\u201d.<\/p>\n