NEPN 2030–2040: Strengthening the consumer voice for a just green transition

The action "NEPN 2030–2040: consumers' voice in shaping a just green
transition" aims to strengthen the involvement of consumers and civil
society in preparing the new NEPN for the 2030–2040 period. The NEPN will
set the key directions of Slovenian energy and climate policy and will have
an important impact on energy prices, the accessibility of energy solutions,
the energy renovation of buildings and the protection of vulnerable
households.
The purpose of the action is to ensure that consumer interests are properly
represented in the NEPN preparation process and that the public, especially
young people, is actively involved in the discussion on the future of
Slovenia's energy system. The Consumer Association of Slovenia will
prepare expert-based positions and recommendations for the public
consultation on the NEPN, carry out public awareness-raising and
mobilisation activities, and organise a participatory event for young people.

Through this action, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive, transparent and democratic process for the development of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and to ensure that the interests of consumers, young people, vulnerable groups and other citizens are adequately taken into account when planning the green transition. Particular emphasis is placed on the involvement of young people, as they will live the longest with the consequences of decisions made today. The action therefore responds to the need for greater public participation in policymaking and strengthens the role of civil society in co-creating a sustainable and socially just future.

The results of the action are important because the NECP development process involves decisions that will have a long-term impact on the quality of life of people in Slovenia, energy costs, access to energy-efficient renovation and the achievement of climate targets. If consumers and civil society are not adequately involved in these processes at an early stage, there is a risk that the solutions adopted will be less equitable, less acceptable to the public and less responsive to the needs of households. Active public participation contributes to more legitimate, effective and sustainable policies and strengthens a democratic culture of participation in policymaking.

The action will contribute to increased consumer participation in public consultation processes for the preparation of the NECP. A campaign will be implemented using materials including infographics, an e-newsletter and social media posts, with a minimum reach of 5,000 consumers. The campaign aims to generate up to 500 responses, including likes, comments and shares, as well as consumer responses to a survey questionnaire on the NECP focusing on the consumer perspective.

The action will also contribute to increased youth participation in discussions on the energy future and energy-related challenges. To this end, a scenario for increased youth participation will be developed and a hybrid participatory workshop will be organised, including an informative presentation on the NECP and the collection of young people’s proposals for inclusion in the position paper. The workshop will involve up to 50 young people, and up to 35 proposals from young people will be collected for inclusion in the position paper on the NECP.

As part of strengthened advocacy in the NECP preparation process, responses to the positions previously submitted by ZPS during the online consultation phase, i.e. the first consultation, will be monitored. One ZPS position paper on the NECP 2030–2040 will be prepared, based on the results of the analysis, European recommendations, the consumer perspective and contributions from young people. Responses from decision-makers and other stakeholders to the submitted positions and recommendations will also be monitored, with 1 report to be prepared and up to 3 responses from decision-makers and stakeholders to be obtained.