Energy Poverty Intelligence Unit

The Energy Poverty Intelligence Unit (EPIU) of Getafe (ES) represents a significant stride in urban innovation and social inclusion.  

Executed in two vulnerable neighbourhoods facing high unemployment and lacking proper heating systems, EPIU was set up to tackle hidden energy poverty affecting low-income families, the elderly, migrants and other vulnerable groups.  

The approach includes detailed socio-demographic analysis and technical fieldwork, facilitating the identification and support of hidden energy poverty (HEP) among residents using specific indicators. It emphasised cross-disciplinary collaboration within the city administration, which was previously lacking, and addressed the fiscal burden faced by residents participating in public retrofit schemes. EPIU supports the EU's focus on sustainable urban development, climate neutrality, social inclusivity and potential replicability.

This practice is innovative in its development and interrelation of three main components, aligning with the European urban policy context for 2021-2027: 

1. Data Analytics System (DAS): EPIU's innovative approach uses machine learning and AI to uncover the real extent of energy poverty. This system not only helped identify affected households, but also understand their specific needs at various levels – household, building and neighbourhood. 

2. Healthy Households Office (HHO): As a one-stop solution, HHO engaged directly with residents, offering advice and collecting crucial data on socioeconomic and housing conditions. This initiative played a vital role in reaching out to those who are often overlooked, such as unregistered migrants, ensuring inclusivity in service provision. 

3. Tailor-Made Solutions (TMS): The project emphasised personalised interventions, ranging from simple measures to complex building renovations, catering to the specific needs of different groups. 

These solutions were designed to be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. 

Other elements of this model include widespread dissemination work on energy poverty, through conferences, workshops and street events. Good practice guides and refurbishment guides have also been designed, and extensive data provided to the municipal data lake. 

EPIU aims to transform urban areas sustainably by fostering efficient, equitable energy use in homes, buildings and neighbourhoods. It addresses Hidden Energy Poverty with an integrated, participatory approach, reducing vulnerability in access to energy services. The proposal implements impactful policies and technologies to maximise resource use and optimise outcomes locally, improving the quality of life of residents and promoting integrated urban development. 

This approach offers significant transfer potential as well as the possibility of upscaling the original proposal. To facilitate transferability. the project was developed around three integrated, easy-to-understand pillars: 

1. UNDERSTAND involves a comprehensive analysis of previously collected data to diagnose and understand hidden energy poverty and its associated vulnerabilities. 

2. SUPPORT/OUTREACH focuses on active community participation and accompaniment. It recognises the crucial importance of involving residents in the process of defining strategies. Collaboration and public awareness are key elements in generating commitment and involvement in the implementation of effective solutions. 

3. ACT involves the implementation of responses and solutions tailored to the specific needs of each environment. This stage focuses on the coordinated and integrated implementation of concrete measures to address energy poverty.

EPIU is built on an understanding that Energy Poverty depends not only on the socioeconomic conditions of inhabitants, but also on the technical characteristics of their home. 

While data for the buildings in the project area have been generated after access to documentation provided by the municipality, a large part of the socio-demographic information has come from extensive fieldwork and "small-data" analysis. This process would not have been possible without participatory processes. Semi-structured interviews, and feedback from workshops, talks and street actions have provided valuable information that has enriched the municipal data lake. 

Key project stakeholders:  

• Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), a body attached to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, through the Secretary of State for Energy. It provided access to national databases such as Datadis or the Data mediation platform. 

• The Community of Madrid, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, provided social data from the Social Services User Information System (SIUSS). 

• Triodos bank, a financial institution specialised in social, environmental and cultural projects. 

• Ymca and Murialdo, two local NGOs that linked EPIU with citizens by facilitating contact with vulnerable groups during the pandemic. 

• Airbus served as an advisor in energy self-production. 
   

Given that a criterion for UIA projects is transferability to other areas in Europe, EPIU offers significant transfer and upscaling potential. It's clear, modular approach follows URBACT Pilot Transfer Mechanism Study recommendations. 

EPIU aligns with 2021-2027 European urban policy, directly contributing to Cohesion Policy Objectives 1 and 2, with smart, data-driven strategies supporting sustainable urban development and energy efficiency. Its focus on vulnerable communities also resonates with PO4, addressing urban poverty and promoting social inclusion.  

EPIU's engagement with local communities and emphasis on public participation align with the Urban Agenda for the EU and the Leipzig Charter, including support for better regulation, better funding, and better knowledge exchange. EPIU contributes both to mitigating climate change, and social disparities with a holistic approach envisioned by the European Green Deal.

Special efforts have been made to adapt the practice to Spanish regulations such as: General Data Protection Regulation, Law on Public Sector Contracts, Law on Aid and Subsidies, Legal Regime of the Public Sector, and municipal urban planning ordinances. 

The practice may face a number of challenges to be anticipated and addressed proactively. Internal factors include lack of experience and changes in the local delivery partnership, legal and ethical frameworks, and lack of a common database. URBACT’s integrated approach should help anticipate some of these risks. 

So far, the best example of this practice’s transferability is the continuity of HHS inside Getafe’s Municipal Land and Housing Company EMSV. Two agreements have also been signed with EPIU partners to give continuity to the measures against energy poverty developed. Another agreement, between Getafe City Council and EMSV, on data management and the use of municipal information systems, supports further projects such as the Solar Map of Getafe or Heat Island impact map.