Energy / Europe
Monitor Europe energy trends, electricity markets, supply pressure, regulation and regional resource dynamics.
Citizen Energy Panels information session 2 (15 January 2026)
Topic
Citizen Energy Panels
Key insights
- The session aims to provide information on how to apply for a citizen energy panel and address questions regarding submissions.
- Participants are encouraged to provide input on how they would like the webinar to proceed, particularly in terms of Q&A.
- The citizen energy advisory hub (CHEER) will be discussed, including its importance and the benefits of hosting panels.
- An overview of the application process, guidance, and evaluation materials will be provided.
- Attendees are invited to actively participate by asking questions during the presentation.
- A survey will be conducted to tailor the webinar content to the preferences of the attendees.
Perspectives
Information session on citizen energy panels and application process.
Citizen Energy Advisory Hub
- Facilitates citizen engagement through panels to enhance community input in energy decisions
- Encourages municipalities to tailor energy panels to local contexts and needs
- Provides extensive support and resources for municipalities to host citizen energy panels
- Aims to strengthen local energy policy by gathering citizen input
- Offers technical assistance and expert support for energy projects
- Promotes collaboration among municipalities for joint applications
Neutral / Shared
- Emphasizes the importance of timely applications for citizen energy panels
- Notes the flexibility in topics for energy panels based on local needs
- Discusses the application process and criteria for hosting a citizen energy panel
Metrics
application_deadline
31st of January
Deadline for submitting applications to the citizen energy panel.
Missing this deadline could limit citizen engagement in energy planning.
the deadline for the application is on the 31st of January of this month.
citizen_engagement
most important motivation
Motivation for municipalities to apply.
Engaging citizens is crucial for effective local energy planning.
To engage with citizens in local energy planning. Is the most important motivation for now.
event_duration
one day event days
length of each citizen energy panel event
So is a one day event, which will be hosted by young municipality.
project_duration
next three years
duration of the Citizen Energy Advisory Hub project
which is going to be around for next three years
panels_per_country
one citizen energy panel per country panel
number of citizen energy panels planned
This initiative promotes local engagement in renewable energy across the EU.
we're looking to do one citizen energy panel per country.
application_deadline
31st of January
Deadline for submitting applications for citizen energy projects.
Timely applications are essential for participation in energy initiatives.
you have two more weeks so until the 31st of January to submit your application
confirmation_period_days
seven calendar days
Timeframe for selected candidates to confirm their intention to host a panel.
selected candidates will be required of course that you will also confirm that you want to host a citizen energy panel within seven calendar days
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The citizen energy advisory hub facilitates citizen engagement through panels, enhancing community input in energy decisions.
- The session aims to provide information on how to apply for a citizen energy panel and address questions regarding submissions.
- Participants are encouraged to provide input on how they would like the webinar to proceed, particularly in terms of Q&A.
- The citizen energy advisory hub (CHEER) will be discussed, including its importance and the benefits of hosting panels.
- An overview of the application process, guidance, and evaluation materials will be provided.
- Attendees are invited to actively participate by asking questions during the presentation.
- A survey will be conducted to tailor the webinar content to the preferences of the attendees.
05:00–10:00
Participants have not started their applications for the citizen energy panel, risking missing the January 31st deadline, which could hinder local energy planning efforts.
- The application to the citizen energy panel has not been started by some participants, with a deadline of January 31st.
- Participants are encouraged to reach out for assistance with their applications and questions.
- There is a discussion about focusing on application topics or reviewing content from the last webinar.
- A recap of the last webinar will be provided, followed by an overview of application steps and evaluation processes.
- Participants are asked about their municipality's motivation to apply, with citizen engagement in local energy planning being a key reason.
- Support is offered for any questions regarding the application process, with an invitation for one-on-one calls.
10:00–15:00
The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub enhances citizen involvement in energy systems, leading to more tailored local energy policies and increased community engagement.
- The event will have a flexible agenda allowing municipalities to design their own topics.
- Different municipalities may focus on varying themes, such as citizen involvement in local energy action plans or youth engagement in climate policies.
- The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub is a large project coordinated on behalf of the European Commission, aiming to enhance citizen roles in Europe's energy systems.
- The project will provide materials and events, with panels being one aspect of the advisory hub.
- Technical assistance is available for projects, offering up to 50 days of free expert support.
- Citizen energy panels are one-day events where citizens engage to co-develop policy recommendations on energy transition and local priorities.
15:00–20:00
Citizen engagement through energy panels strengthens local energy policy and enhances trust in municipal planning.
- The energy panels are designed to gather citizen input, strengthening local energy policy and addressing challenges faced by municipalities.
- These panels can help develop Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and local energy action plans.
- Citizen engagement through panels increases trust and provides a strong evidence base for policy setting.
- The process allows for early identification of implementation challenges and facilitates communication of future planning to citizens.
- Panels can be conducted in local languages to remove barriers, and while in-person meetings are preferred, online options are available if necessary.
- Joint applications from multiple municipalities are encouraged to share resources and enhance outreach.
20:00–25:00
The initiative aims to establish citizen energy panels across EU countries, enhancing local participation in renewable energy projects and increasing awareness in underrepresented areas.
- Citizens can email their situations for guidance and possibly schedule a call to discuss eligibility and questions.
- The initiative aims to establish one citizen energy panel per EU country, with a focus on spreading participation evenly across member states.
- The program is open to all levels of previous experience in citizen energy, targeting areas with high potential but low awareness.
- Support includes application guidance, one-on-one onboarding calls, and tailored panel content based on municipal desires.
- Advice will be provided on citizen recruitment strategies, including targeting specific age groups and open invitations.
- A team of event specialists will assist with venue setup and technical support for the panels.
25:00–30:00
The event empowers municipalities to lead citizen energy initiatives, resulting in tailored local policy recommendations for the European Commission.
- The event aims to be precise, useful, and efficient, featuring dedicated webinar series deployed alongside municipalities.
- Experts will be contracted and paid on behalf of the municipalities, serving as key elements of the panels.
- Orientation materials for citizens will be professionally designed, including guides and pamphlets on gender, topics, and key questions.
- The panels will help address municipalities' contextual aims for advancing citizen energy, including local energy action plans.
- Outputs from the panels will contribute to local policy recommendations, which will be synthesized and submitted to the European Commission.
- The process is designed to empower municipalities, allowing them to take leadership in organizing and coordinating the panels.