Participatory budgeting - energy voucher
About this good practice
The project emerged from a participatory budgeting process of Bullas Town Council where citizens proposed and voted on initiatives to allocate the municipal budget. The winning proposal involved the installation of solar panels on a public building to generate energy savings, which would then be converted into energy vouchers for individuals facing energy poverty or social exclusion. Citizens could apply for the vouchers based on criteria published on the town council's website, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Technical difficulties related to installation and energy savings calculations were resolved through voluntary contributions from the consulting firm.
The project effectively achieved its objectives by:
• Providing financial support to address energy poverty through energy vouchers.
• Raising public awareness and trust in renewable energy, reducing skepticism.
• Encouraging citizen participation in decision-making through participatory budgeting.
The initiative also fostered the creation of the neighborhood energy community "AS. Bullas en Transición Energética, CER,"
Stakeholders included:
• Bullas Town Council.
• Local residents.
• OTC COITIRM, La Solar Energía, and Efficiency Services Consulting: Providers of technical expertise and support.
The primary beneficiaries were Bullas residents, particularly those facing energy poverty, alongside the broader community, which gained increased awareness, trust, and the foundation for a local energy community.
Resources needed
To have the technical and financial capacity in the city council, as well as a mechanism for public consultation. It is also necessary to conduct public information sessions beforehand about the benefits of green energy and energy communities.
Evidence of success
The initiative has been so successful that in subsequent years, the municipal photovoltaic installation has been expanded, and a neighborhood cooperative - energy community has been created to install its own solar panels.
Potential for learning or transfer
The training workshops, combined with the town council's successful investment example, played a pivotal role in fostering trust and reducing skepticism among residents. This approach, though implemented with solar energy, is highly adaptable to other types of renewable energy projects, such as wind power.
One of the key success factors of this initiative is the active education of citizens through well-structured informative sessions, which not only raise awareness about renewable energy benefits but also address common misconceptions and concerns. Equally important is the involvement of residents in decision-making processes via participatory budgeting, empowering them to have a tangible impact on community investments.
The participatory nature of this practice makes it particularly interesting for other regions to learn from, as it demonstrates how civic engagement and transparency can enhance public acceptance and ensure the long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects.
Further information
Good practice owner
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