The ASSERT project, officially launched with its kick-off meeting held in Rome on October 8th and 9th, marks a significant step forward in the fight against energy poverty, with a specific focus on people with disabilities. AISFOR, a project partner, will play a leading role, reaffirming its commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive energy transition.

During the meeting, Nina Klemola from CINEA provided an overview of the energy policies relevant to ASSERT, emphasizing the importance of initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Social Climate Fund. These tools are essential to protecting the most vulnerable consumers, including people with disabilities, and ensuring that the project effectively aligns with existing European policies. In this context, ASSERT has been recognized as a critical initiative to address energy poverty in an innovative and multidimensional way.

In the coming months, the project will focus on several key activities. RETE ASSIST will lead the training of intermediaries working with vulnerable people, particularly those living with disabilities and facing energy hardships. Through a series of focus groups and meetings, efforts will be made to better understand the specific needs of this population and to develop tailored training tools. These tools will enable intermediaries to provide more targeted and practical support, helping people overcome the barriers associated with energy poverty.

Another crucial aspect of the project will be collaboration with local and regional administrations. Workshops will be organized to train policymakers on how to integrate inclusive solutions into their policies that address the needs of people with disabilities. This will strengthen local decision-makers' capacities to respond to the challenges of energy poverty with a socially inclusive approach.

During the course of the project, a mentorship program will also be launched, selecting intermediaries and local administrations to participate in a twelve-month mentoring journey. This program will provide practical support to twenty-five beneficiaries, helping them implement solutions to reduce energy poverty among people with disabilities. This innovative approach will foster close collaboration between local and institutional actors, creating replicable models for other regions.

The kick-off meeting also laid the groundwork for planning upcoming operational activities. In the coming months, in addition to focus groups and intermediary training, a second in-person meeting is scheduled for March 2025 in Barcelona, where progress will be reviewed and the next steps of the project will be planned.