RES Foundation team visited the Municipality of Kučevo as part of the project “Energy Efficiency: Public Policy, Investments, Benefits.” The aim of the visit was to exchange experiences and monitor the results of ongoing subsidy programs that support citizens in improving energy efficiency in their homes.
Kučevo stands out as example of implementing solar panels and heat pumps as practical energy efficiency measures. The visit was organized within the same project framework and focused on sharing lessons learned from real-world applications at the local level.
As part of the initiative, the RES Foundation team also followed the implementation of the “SURCE – Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency for Citizens” project, which provides subsidies for households to introduce energy-saving solutions.
Learning from Local Experience
Representatives of the Municipality of Kučevo gave a detailed overview of how the program has been implemented so far, from the structure of public calls and the challenges they face, to the benefits such initiatives bring to the local community.
Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through responsible implementation of energy efficiency measures left a strong impression on the team.
Household Visits and Citizen Perspectives
During the visit, the team toured several households that had already used subsidies to apply energy efficiency measures. Kučevo is among the municipalities with the highest number of citizens who have installed solar panels and heat pumps, either individually or in combination.
Beneficiaries from the villages of Vuković and Mišljenovac, as well as from Kučevo itself, shared their experiences, from reduced heating costs and greater energy independence to challenges encountered during installation and use.
These firsthand stories offered valuable insight into how such programs can reduce energy expenses, increase household comfort, and strengthen energy security, while also highlighting the importance of proper preparation and reliable information for all participants.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The main takeaway from this visit can be summarized in one clear message:
Before investing in energy efficiency measures, households should consult professional companies to assess their actual heating needs, energy consumption, and expected results.
With the right information and planning, families can select and size solutions that truly fit their needs and bring the greatest possible benefits — both for themselves and for the wider community.
About the Project
The project “Energy Efficiency: Public Policy, Investments, Benefits” is implemented by RES Foundation with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Its goal is to strengthen understanding and implementation of energy efficiency policies through capacity building for local governments, experience sharing, and promotion of good practices.
Through study visits and cooperation with municipalities across Serbia, the project supports better planning and realization of measures that reduce energy consumption, lower household costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
