Powering communities: How to deliver a Citizens’ Energy Package that’s fair & accessible to all

Across Europe, a growing movement of citizens, SMEs, and local and regional authorities is reshaping the energy system from the ground up. Through energy communities, these actors are accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels while building a more democratic, just, and resilient energy future.

To support this transformation, FEDARENE is proud to be part of the Community Power Coalition, a diverse alliance of over 40 organisations including energy cooperatives, local government networks, renewable energy stakeholders, legal experts and NGOs. Facilitated by Friends of the Earth Europe, the Coalition has just released a new Position Paper:
“Powering Communities – How to deliver a CEP that is fair and accessible to all.”

This paper outlines five key demands for the upcoming Citizens’ Energy Package (CEP) – a crucial opportunity for the EU to place citizens and communities at the centre of energy policy. The Coalition calls on the European Commission to:

1. Implement and enforce existing EU rules with concrete targets and guidance for Member States
2. Clarify key concepts, such as “fair remuneration” and “active consumers”
3. Incentivise local ownership and benefit sharing in energy projects
4. Ensure a level playing field and fair treatment of community energy initiatives
5. Tackle energy poverty and promote inclusivity, especially for vulnerable and marginalised groups

Energy communities are not only tools for decarbonisation — they help stabilise prices, promote energy literacy, and ensure that clean, affordable energy reaches everyone, including renters and low-income households. The CEP must unlock their full potential by addressing the persistent legal, regulatory, and economic barriers they still face today.

📄 Read the full position paper and discover how we can make Europe’s energy transition truly citizen-led: