Renewable energy communities and energy poverty: Social and policy insights from empirical research in Italy

Renewable energy communities (RECs), energy policy, and energy poverty are closely interlinked within the broader context of the ecological transition. The present study investigates participation in RECs, with particular attention to the distribution of economic benefits, perceptions of climate change, misinformation, and policies targeting energy poverty. The research methodology is based on two online surveys conducted in Italy, comprising 403 and 407 respondents respectively. The results highlight a strong preference for RECs, especially among individuals aged 25–50, driven by both environmental and economic motivations. Women demonstrate slightly greater sensitivity to principles of equity and collective action, while energy self-consumption is identified as the most significant criterion for the distribution of benefits. Respondents stated intentions align with a preference for supporting vulnerable households, suggesting that RECs can serve as effective tools for alleviating energy poverty. The sample indicates a heightened perception of climate change severity, particularly among women. Respondents who perceive higher risks attach greater importance to information campaigns and policies aimed at combating energy poverty. Misinformation is attributed to the limited integration of climate issues into educational curricula and the tendency to perceive climate change as a remote concern — both temporally and geographically. Economic incentives for renewable energy, energy efficiency interventions, and the equitable sharing of benefits within RECs are viewed as the most appropriate policy measures. Overall, RECs emerge as vital instruments for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7, particularly by addressing the escalating challenge of energy poverty, even in high-income countries. • Energy self-consumption is key in benefit distribution preferences. • Misinformation stems from weak education and distant risk perception. • Alignment between intentions and benefit allocation to needy families. • Incentives are seen as the most effective way to fight energy poverty. • Renewable energy communities as an effective tool to tackle energy poverty.