Prosumer paradox: How outdated grids undermine energy poverty efforts in central and eastern Europe

Briefing    |    5 September 2025

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Outdated and underinvested grids in the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania are blocking households from fully benefiting from renewable energy programmes and exacerbating energy poverty. This briefing highlights shared challenges, from capacity constraints to urban–rural divides while showcasing opportunities such as smart-grid pilots, energy cooperatives, and public–private partnerships.

By prioritising distribution grid modernisation through EU and national funding, renewable energy programmes and energy community initiatives could be strengthened, delivering tangible benefits for vulnerable communities and advancing an inclusive energy transition across the region.

This publication is also available in Hungarian.