Power Saving Check goes Citizens - Innovative climate protection through targeted adult education and the implementation of Power Saving Checks

<< Background >>The Power Saving Check goes Citizens project was launched in response to the urgent need for citizen-driven action on climate protection, especially in the context of the European Green Deal and the EU Climate Pact.The motivation for submitting the application came from the positive experience with two previous initiatives (Power Saving Check and Power Saving Check – Coming of Age), which demonstrated that energy counselling can effectively help low-income households reduce electricity, heating, and water consumption. The project specifically addressed two urgent challenges: the need for climate action at the citizen level and the need to support households in dealing with rising energy costs through accessible, non-formal education.The consortium aimed to bridge the gap between policy and practical implementation. Through education and the support of trained Energy Efficient Mediators, the project enabled both households and public institutions to take concrete, sustainable action.<< Objectives >>The Power Saving Check goes Citizens project aimed to empower citizens to take meaningful action in favour of climate protection and energy efficiency through education, digital tools, and personalised support from trained mediators.The project sought to:•reduce electricity, water, and heating consumption in households and public buildings,•lower CO₂ emissions,•promote circular economy practices,•actively involve citizens - including those in vulnerable situations - in sustainable behaviour change,•reduce the financial burden on low-income households.Through its implementation, the project aimed to bridge European climate policy with daily life and develop practical, transferable tools that could continue to be used in other regions and contexts beyond the project’s lifetime.<< Implementation >>During the Power Saving Check goes Citizens project, we carried out a wide range of activities that led to the creation of practical and transferable outputs.We began by adapting content from previous projects. Through transnational meetings, we discussed updates to the curriculum, the structure of the training programme, and the design of the mobile app. A key change was the revision of the training scope in accordance with the requirements of the University of Szeged, which accredited the full course for Energy Efficient Mediators.We then developed project results (PR1–PR5), translated them into nine languages, and tested the Power Saving App, which includes energy-saving calculators and instructional videos.In May 2024, we delivered a pilot training for 42 participants from several countries. The results were later validated through local testing phases. During the testing phase, 889 inspections were carried out in households and others in public buildings.The entire consortium organised multiplier events to promote the project outputs and build regional networks. The project concluded with a final conference in Slovakia in April 2025.<< Results >>The project delivered five key outputs: a curriculum, handbook, training materials, an online course, and the Power Saving App. The training was accredited by the University of Szeged. During the pilot and testing phase, 42 mediators were trained, who carried out 889 household checks and others in public buildings across 7 countries. Based on data from all participating households, the average monthly savings were calculated as 61 kWh of electricity and 3.7 m³ of water. The estimated annual financial savings of up to €300 represent an average across all test countries. The average annual CO₂ reduction per household was 275 kg. The most frequently installed devices included LED lighting, water-saving flow restrictors, and power strips with switches. The results were presented during multiplier events and the project’s final conference.