The project aims to identify and mitigate energy poverty in two municipalities (Selenica andMemaliaj), by empowering communities through civic engagement, raising awareness, and influencing policymaking at both local and national levels. The key issues the project seeks to address are:     i) the lack of structured monitoring of energy poverty in municipalities across the country,                                                                                                ii) the absence of collaboration between local authorities, OSHEE (the national electricity provider), and communities in identifying and addressing energy poverty,                                                                                                                                                                                                          iii) the lack of a national dialogue to advocate for strengthened monitoring mechanisms and the creation of financial incentives to support vulnerable citizens.
As a key project output, an Energy Poverty Monitoring and Assessment Study was conducted in Memaliaj and Selenica, covering 200 vulnerable households in both municipalities. Using a multidimensional methodology, the study assessed housing conditions, access to energy, and socio-economic vulnerability, revealing very high levels of energy poverty, 99% in Memaliaj and 98% in Selenica, with poor housing conditions identified as a major contributing factor.

The full study is available here: Energy poverty monitoring report in the Municipality of Memaliaj and Selenica