How do renewable energy communities impact household energy consumption?

Maria Ines Conceicao, Maria Antonieta Cunha-e-Sa and Ines Povoa

Nova SBE Working Paper Series from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Nova School of Business and Economics

Abstract: Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are increasingly recognised as key instruments for a just energy transition. Yet evidence on their impact on households’ energy behaviour remains limited. This study focuses on the Agra do Amial REC, located in a deprived neighbourhood in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, and assesses its impact on electricity consumption and expenditures. Using high-frequency (hourly/daily) data and a forecast-based counterfactual approach, we estimate the causal effect of REC participation. Results show an increase of electricity consumption and a net reduction in energy bills, consistent with improved access to essential energy services. These findings offer policy-relevant insights for the design of just and inclusive community-based energy models in Portugal.

Keywords: Renewable energy communities; Energy consumption patterns; Energy transition; Energy poverty; Counterfactual analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q42 Q48 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 51 pages
Date: 2026
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