Technopolis Germany is evaluating the nationwide Stromspar-Check (Engl. Energy Saving Check) on behalf of Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG). The aim of the evaluation is to systematically analyse and assess the programme’s contribution to reducing energy poverty and integrating the long-term unemployed into the labor market.

The core of the programme is to train long-term unemployed people to become energy-saving advisors. These advisors then help low-income households to reduce their energy consumption and thus their energy costs, for example by providing individual advice on heating behaviour or the use of electronic devices. They also provide immediate assistance in the form of LED lamps or switchable power strips. The programme thus combines the training and professional reintegration of long-term unemployed people with direct support for households susceptible to energy poverty. At the same time, it contributes to the acceptance of energy transition and climate protection.

The evaluation examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme as well as its potential for further development. In this way, we are further expanding our experience in evaluating climate and social policy and creating a sound basis for the future orientation of the programme in the context of a socially balanced energy transition.

Project members: Dr. Florian Berger, Dr. Jan Stede, Theresa Iglauer, Julian Schaper, Lena Hoeppe.