Since its launch in 2019, FETA has stood, above all, for its commitment to putting often ignored voices at the centre of its efforts to make Europe’s energy transition fair for everyone. Its detailed policy recommendations to national and EU decision-makers were based on a unique continental listening exercise, in which more than a thousand people in nine countries expressed their energy wants and needs through expert-led focus groups.
So in launching its new phase, which seeks to highlight and scale up local solutions for a fair and inclusive energy transition, it was only natural to ensure that people from disadvantaged groups had their say in project selection. Four focus groups, involving 53 participants in all, met in January 2026 in Copenhagen, Katowice, Lille and Milan. They involved people facing diverse challenges in affording home energy and transport, and included families on low incomes, people dealing with health problems, elderly citizens, people from immigrant backgrounds and a range of other issues. Some lived in social housing, others were privately housed. About half received welfare benefits. Over three to four hours, each group reviewed five projects each from a short list of 20 under consideration.
Most valued were initiatives that delivered immediate, visible and financially meaningful improvements to living conditions. As one participant put it: “Iftheflatiswarmandthereiselectricityinthesocket,itgivesasenseofsecurity.” Initiatives that reduce energy costs or provide clear, impartial guidance on bills and consumption were rated very highly.
These assessments played a decisive role in the selection of the 10 initiatives, alongside factors such as geography and the sustainability of the economic model.
The focus groups also provided valuable insights into which types of solutions are truly relevant from the perspective of vulnerable people and further informed FETA’s learned experience of how to reach out to and engage effectively with vulnerable citizens.
Participants frequently described electricity and heating costs as a major financial burden and spoke of difficulties navigating complex billing systems or aggressive market practices. Accessible advice delivered in familiar settings and tailored to individual needs was felt to have substantial impact. Also winning high marks were initiatives that equipped young people or low income households with practical skills, long term agency and a sense of ownership over their environment.
For a closer look at FETA’s experience with using focus groups to sound out vulnerable people and communities, our 2023 method guide is available here.