Ajdovščina to Host a European Citizens’ Energy Panel in 2027

datum: 03.11.2026
kategorija: Občinskega energetskega posveta

The Municipality of Ajdovščina has been successful in its application to the Citizen Energy Advisory Hub (CEAH) initiative, which operates under the authority of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy. One of the Directorate’s key priorities is strengthening the role of citizens in energy-related matters.

In June 2027 the Municipality of Ajdovščina will be one of 27 municipalities from 18 European Union member states to host a Citizen Energy Panel. Residents of the Municipality of Ajdovščina will play a central role in the panel: they will actively share their needs regarding energy production and consumption and helping shape decisions that affect their homes and everyday lives in the local community.

Programme – From understanding energy to co-creating solutions

This panel will bring together residents, domestic and international experts for a full-day event. Participants will explore the future of energy and discuss challenges facing the energy system, the municipality’s role, the process of implementing municipal projects, the purpose of a local energy concept and technological solutions for energy supply.

Examples of citizen cooperation from other European countries will also be presented, highlighting the benefits of establishing energy communities and offering insights into how changes in energy-use habits can be encouraged.

These topics will provide a starting point for structured discussions among residents. Working in small groups, participants will identify needs, barriers and opportunities for more inclusive decision-making on local energy needs and solutions. Through this dialogue, they will develop concrete recommendations based on residents’ experiences, expectations and everyday circumstances.

Addressing the provided recommendations

The panel’s primary objective is to compile a set of recommendations based on citizens’ active participation. The Mayor of Ajdovščina is expected to provide a response to these recommendations, while members of the Municipal Council will also consider the matter and give their opinion.

One year after the panel, residents will be informed about the progress made in addressing the recommendations through the Municipality of Ajdovščina’s energy-related activities.

All recommendations put forward by citizens will also contribute to a consolidated set of recommendations representing citizens from across the European Union. The CEAH initiative will present these recommendations to the European Commission.

Selection of participants

The methodology for selecting participants will be developed in cooperation with the CEAH initiative. All adult residents of the Municipality of Ajdovščina will be eligible for the initial selection process, and no prior knowledge of the energy sector will be required.

Of those who express an interest in participating, 40 residents will be invited to join the panel. The selection process is designed to encourage broad participation and ensure that people from different demographic and social backgrounds are represented, including those who might otherwise face barriers to taking part in public discussions.

During the consultation, participants will help shape recommendations for future measures at municipal level.

Before the Citizen Energy Panel event the selected participants will be invited to a preparatory workshop. There, they will gain a basic understanding of energy-related issues affecting everyday life and household energy consumption, as well as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and the municipality’s strategic direction in promoting greater citizen involvement in energy-related matters.

The consultation will encourage open dialogue and ensure that a wide range of perspectives is heard, including those of groups that are often underrepresented in public discussions.

Future shared challenges

Through this panel the Municipality of Ajdovščina aims to strengthen connections among residents and encourage them to take an active role in developing solutions that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and accessible to as many people as possible.

At the same time, the municipality aims to assess the implications of the recommendations for its own responsibilities and future activities.

The energy future of a local community depends not only on technology and infrastructure but also on knowledge, trust and people’s willingness to engage in the process of change.

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