Unplugging energy poverty

Without extra efforts in the housing policy the Flemish energy poverty program will be a drop in the ocean. More investments in social housing are needed to cover the needs of housing, to alleviate the pressure on the private rent market and to increase the energy performance of social residences. Vulnerable families should receive a guaranteed saving of €250 EURO/year if they participate in a tailor-made trajectory aimed at energy saving, cheap providers and if necessary a more appropriate housing. In Flanders some 50.000 families could be convinced to participate in a period of a year. Tackling poverty should be inclusive, tailor-made and concrete if one wishes to unplug energy poverty and at the same time create positive effects on climate, economy and employment.