Energy for citizens: understanding what consumers truly need

Venue: European Sustainable Energy Week, Charlemagne Building, rue de la Loi 170, 1040 Brussels.

Europe’s energy sector is going through a profound systemic transformation, with considerable implications for consumers. With the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, large-scale infrastructure decisions and ambitious climate goals, it is crucial to recognise consumers as an integral part of the new decentralised system, to rethink the changing realities in their day-to-day life, and support them in navigating through the complexity of these fundamental changes. 

In recent years, the EU has introduced many new laws to accelerate renewables, enhance consumer protection and help consumers adapt to their new role as active participants in the energy transition. However, to support consumers effectively, policymakers must start by understanding consumers’ needs and translating legislation into concrete action that empowers consumers to actively participate in the transition. The EU’s upcoming Citizens Energy Package should provide guidance on how to best go about it and ensure the transition is equitable and accessible for all. 

This event, co-organised by BEUC and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, will look at real-life consumer challenges, by focusing on four key areas: affordable energy, heating and cooling decarbonisation, building renovation and consumer protection. 

For each topic, expert speakers (below) will outline the key consumer challenges, provide concrete examples and discuss them among the panellists and with the audience before concluding with actionable policy recommendations. 

The speakers are:

• Agustín Reyna, Director General, BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation) 
• Maria Ohisalo MEP, Greens/EFA, Finland  
• Alejandro Ulzurrún, Head of Unit ‘Consumers, Local Initiatives, Just Transition’, European Commission 
• Jörg Mühlenhoff, Head of Programme - European Energy Transition, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
• Julie Frère, Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Test Achats 
• Hélène Sibileau, Senior Policy Advisor, Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) 
• Karen Trant, Co-chair of the Customers and Retail Markets Working Group, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) 

Moderator: Marine Cornelis, Executive Director and Founder, Next Energy Consumer 

More info about this session on EUSEW's website.

Register here to EUSEW2025.

For more information, please contact Jörg Mühlenhoff.