EuropeOn, in collaboration with theInternational Copper Association(ICA), has published 'Home Electrical Installation Upgrades: A Fitness Check for Zero-Emission Readiness', a new report highlighting the urgent need to upgrade residential electrical installations as a critical step towards decarbonising Europe’s building stock. In the context of the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the report stresses that a modern electrical infrastructure is essential for integrating clean technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, solar panels, and energy storage systems. Home electrification is thus presented as a cornerstone in achieving climate neutrality targets.

The report warns that 132 million homes in Europe still rely on outdated electrical systems, which not only undermines energy efficiency but also poses serious safety risks, with nearly half of accidental residential fires originating from electrical faults. EuropeOn calls on policy makers to recognise electrical installations as the backbone of zero-emission buildings and to incorporate their renovation into national retrofit strategies. The report also emphasises the vital role of skilled electrical contractors in ensuring safe, efficient interventions aligned with the clean energy transition.