Pilot South East Energy Agency
Based in Ireland, South East Energy Agency is actively involved in addressing energy poverty through a practical, community-first approach in collaboration with local authorities and community organizations. By deploying its technical expertise in energy management services, the agency has been involved in evaluating best practices across Europe, introducing new technologies and behavioural strategies to reduce energy costs for vulnerable households.
The pilot's core: renewable energy & community building
The pilot located in Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford targets elderly citizens most affected by rising energy prices. Through personalised energy coaching and technical support for solar PV installation, the pilot is creating lasting change in how communities think about and use renewable energy to assist fuel-poor homes. By deploying solar PV systems on community buildings and transforming these spaces into testbeds for new technologies, energy-poor neighbourhoods can benefit from the availability of cheap electricity to improve their comfort.
South East Energy Agency will leverage its experience to:
- Pilot Renewable Energy Solutions: Deploy solar PV systems and other sustainable technologies in residential homes and community buildings.
- Develop best practices: Collaborate with partners to refine energy poverty strategies, ensuring solutions are scalable and replicable.
- Research & peer review: Investigate the effectiveness of new technologies and behavioural changes to create lasting social impacts.
Key activities
- One-on-one energy coaching with residents to offer personalised, actionable guidance
- Energy Community Collaboration with other sustainable energy communities (SECs) to unlock community benefits and encourage citizen involvement in energy efficient initiatives.
- Awareness campaigns in partnership with local authorities, housing associations, SEC mentors and other non-profits.
- Data gathering and impact tracking to monitor behavioural and energy use changes
Expected impact
By integrating renewable energy into community spaces, this pilot will showcase how local energy production can lower costs and create energy resilience in vulnerable neighbourhoods. The expected results include:
- Reduced energy costs for households in energy-poor areas
- Increased adoption of renewable energy solutions in community buildings
- Stronger local engagement in energy-saving initiatives
- Research-backed best practices for tackling energy poverty through sustainable technologies
- This pilot builds on the South East Energy Agency’s long-standing commitment to sustainable energy, bringing real-world solutions to the heart of communities.
Get in touch & share knowledge
While bringing significant expertise to SCEPA, South East Agency also seeks to gain valuable practices from partners to further strengthen its approach to reducing energy poverty through innovation, collaboration, and community-centered solutions. Are you interested in learning more about this pilot project or sharing your own insights? Please contact us. Your experience and knowledge could contribute to developing even more effective strategies to combat energy poverty in our communities.
Michael Kinchella
As the Project Delivery Officer in SEEA, Michael oversees the deployment of solar PV and other ancillary systems in the pilot area. In particular, he supervises the installation, testing and commissioning of the renewable technologies for the benefit of the target vulnerable groups. In addition, he conducts energy assessments for homeowners, provides grant and energy advisory services for individuals, groups, and communities. Watch video.
Stephen Oba
As the project officer, Stephen is involved in collecting information needs and data practices on energy poverty of project partners. He engages in capacity building for citizens and ensures the growth and cooperation among the sustainable energy communities (SECs). Other tasks he is involved include peer-reviewing of energy poverty alleviation practices, energy management/monitoring for communities.