Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are promoted as tools for urban decarbonisation, combining high building efficiency, local renewable energy generation and smart energy management. By definition, they minimise operational energy costs and therefore have a strong structural potential to reduce energy poverty for residents. In Europe, energy poverty is driven by low incomes, high energy costs and inefficient housing, so these PED characteristics directly target core drivers. However, social inclusion and affordability are rarely central in current PED deployment, creating risks that vulnerable households remain excluded or displaced. This paper examines how PEDs can both alleviate and unintentionally exacerbate energy poverty through their impacts on income, energy costs, building efficiency and energy saving behaviour. It argues that PEDs will only contribute meaningfully to a just transition if affordability safeguards, targeted renovation of low efficiency districts and inclusive governance are integrated from the outset. Based on this analysis, the paper formulates policy recommendations to ensure that PEDs benefit low income households and support an equitable energy transition.
Mayer et al. (Thu,) studied this question.