New report by Consumers International highlights the role of carers in the delivery of inclusive energy services

Today, Consumers International launched the Global Blueprint for Inclusive Energy Services: Recommendations for the Italian Marketplace, a practical framework to help the energy sector truly meet the needs of consumers in vulnerable circumstances, with a particular focus on Italy’s ageing population. This report marks the first of our Blueprint for Inclusive Energy Services project – a global initiative to drive fairer, more inclusive energy systems.  

In Italy, around 2.4 million households face energy poverty, with older consumers especially impacted. Nearly 40% of people aged 75 and over live alone, and factors such as limited incomes, health conditions, low digital confidence, and social isolation make rising energy bills a significant source of stress and uncertainty for this group. 

Yet listening to the experiences of this group of consumers also highlights an opportunity: to design energy services that are more inclusive, intuitive and grounded in real consumer experience – ensuring no one is left behind. 

The Blueprint provides energy suppliers, civil society, and policymakers with a menu of opportunities to improve communication, support investments in energy efficiency, and strengthen trust by better supporting older consumers. 

Eurocarers had the chance to contribute to the creation process of the blueprint, alongside INRCA and Anziani e Non Solo, highlighting the role of carers in supporting older adults navigate a variety of day-to-day challenges, including the use of energy services.

The report features 10 practical solutions to better support consumers in their access to affordable energy, one of these (Solution 7) focusing specifically on creating simplified proxy access for carers.

You can read the full report here.