The energy transition also affects social housing. With the measure PNRR M.7 – Investment 17 (I.17), which is part of Mission 7 – REPowerEU, Italy aims to modernise its public housing stock by reducing the non-renewable energy performance index (EPgl,nren) of buildings by at least 30 %. This ambitious target is worth 1.381 billion euros and paves the way for the introduction of intelligent energy management software in addition to structural measures.
A fund of over one billion
The measure provides for 1.331 million euros in non-repayable grants paid out by the Energy Services Manager (GSE) and 50 million euros in subsidised loans through the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Energy service companies (ESCos) can also take advantage of SACE guarantees to cover the remaining part of the investment.
Who can participate?
The direct beneficiaries are local public authorities and their instrumental companies, owners of ERP flats. The projects are implemented through UNI CEI 11352-certified ESCOs that work with EPCs (Energy Performance Contracts) and assume the performance risk: If the promised savings are not achieved, the burden remains with the company.
Eligible measures: from insulation to software
The list of eligible measures is extensive: thermal insulation, replacement windows and doors, efficient lighting, photovoltaic systems with storage, heat pumps, district heating systems. The real novelty, however, is that digital solutions are also financed as part of the programme.
The eligible expenditure includes:
- energy consumption monitoring software to measure performance after intervention;
- building automation systems that automatically regulate air conditioning, lighting and systems;
- platforms for measuring heat and electricity;
- remote management solutions and IoT sensors for remote control.
Two windows for participation
Access to the funds will be through two windows: the first from 1 to 29 September 2025, reserved for priority projects (buildings not renovated in the last 5 years), and the second from 6 October 2025 to 30 April 2026, open to all applications.
To support beneficiaries, the GSE has prepared an operational kit with rules, regulatory models and dedicated mentoring for contracting authorities.
Strategic goals
The measure aims not only to reduce consumption, but also to combat energy poverty, improve living comfort and support the Italian green technology industry. In this context, the energy management software becomes a crucial tool: it not only enables savings, but also certifies the results, thus ensuring transparency and reliability in public investments.