UIPI submits reply to Commission’s consultation on the Citizens Energy Package
In September 2025, UIPI submitted its feedback to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Citizens Energy Package, a key initiative under the Affordable Energy Action Plan. The Package aims to ensure that all citizens, especially the energy poor and vulnerable, can benefit from the internal energy market and actively participate in the energy transition.
UIPI welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of coordinated action at EU, national, and local levels to ensure a just transition and strong consumer rights. UIPI highlighted the need for increased funding for energy-efficient renovations, simplified regulations, and better consumer protections. Policies must offer financial and practical support to help households, especially vulnerable ones, navigate the phase-out of natural gas and adopt cleaner alternatives.
A key focus of UIPI’s feedback was the role of district heating in urban areas. To improve public acceptance, UIPI advocated for extending consumer rights from the electricity and gas markets to district heating. It also proposed the creation of a national comparison portal and a price supervisory authority to ensure transparency and fairness.
UIPI also supported stronger protections against disconnections and debt accumulation, recommending flexible payment plans, targeted subsidies, and visual tools to help consumers monitor energy use. Furthermore, UIPI encouraged the Commission to simplify approval processes for energy communities and promote good practices through guidance documents. It also backed clearer energy contracts, better communication from suppliers, and free disconnection from gas grids for property owners switching to renewable heating.
