KLIK - Cooperative-Led Energy and Climate OSS

Vulnerable households are typically left passive or excluded as energy transition is driven by institutions and markets. Energy poverty, climate vulnerability and complex administration deepen inequalities. Local communities rarely have the capacity to develop innovative energy projects. What is needed is a democratic approach in which citizens take ownership of knowledge, information and the social benefits of transition.

A physical, cooperative-run Energy-Climate Office offers free, continuous and independent support — from first questions about renewables, energy saving and home renovation through to implementation and financing. Energy-poor households get hands-on help accessing subsidies and navigating administration, with no financial risk. Energy transition becomes a collective process rather than an individual market choice, reducing inequalities and building local climate resilience.

A cooperative manager, project manager and project associate run the office together, covering operations, activity planning, citizen consultation, advocacy and project development with national and EU partners. Energy advisors, designers and contractors join as needed for energy analyses, technical documentation, project implementation and educational workshops.

Living conditions improve, energy bills fall and energy democracy grows in urban and rural communities alike. Citizens otherwise shut out of the transition gain access and trust in collective action. Progress is tracked through households advised, renovations completed, energy savings and CO2 reduction, alongside qualitative assessment of empowerment and trust. Vulnerable groups receive special attention in cooperation with the Red Cross.

The model is built around universal citizen needs, not specific regional conditions, making it highly replicable. Cooperative governance, the office as a community access point, citizen engagement methodology and the linking of social and energy policies all travel well. The cooperative structure combines professional work, volunteering and surplus reinvestment to reach those systematically left behind by market-based approaches.