For Policy Makers
Affordable housing must also be affordable to heat!
Published on 9 September 2026, the European Commission’s proposed Affordable Housing Act aims to tackle housing affordability by creating a common EU framework for measures taken by Member States, regions and cities in areas under housing stress.
However, the proposed text lacks an important definition: what does an “affordable house” mean?
For EIHA – European Infrared Heating Alliance, affordability must be understood across the different elements that make a home, from having a place to live to being able to heat it comfortably and affordably.
Infrared heating has an important role to play in this transition. As Europe moves towards a more electrified energy system powered increasingly by renewables, efficient electric heating can help keep the cost of heating homes down while providing the comfort households need.
It also offers advantages for Europe’s housing transition: low maintenance requirements, long lifetimes and strong material and resource efficiency. In addition, as buildings become better insulated, infrared heating can provide an energy efficient solution.
As Europe advances its affordable housing agenda, the principle should be simple: homes must not only be affordable to access, but affordable and comfortable to live in.
EIHA welcomes the European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan
EIHA welcomes the European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan and its recognition that clean electrification is central to Europe’s energy security, competitiveness and decarbonisation.
The Action Plan contains several encouraging elements for the future of electrical infrared heating. Efforts to make electricity more affordable through fairer taxation, smarter network charges and wider smart-meter deployment, combined with support for building renovation and household financing, can help create the right conditions for electric heating including infrared panels. In well-insulated homes and commercial buildings, infrared panels offer an affordable, responsive, easy-to-control, install and maintain solution that can work effectively with renewable electricity and smart energy systems.
To realise the full potential of building electrification, HashtagTechnologyNeutrality must remain a guiding principle. Europe’s building stock is diverse, and no single solution will be suitable for every project. Consumers, designers and installers must be able to choose the technology that best fits each building and its energy needs.
EIHA sees a positive outlook for Europe’s energy future if the EU continues to expand clean electricity, improve buildings and support a broad range of efficient electric technologies. We stand ready to contribute our sector’s expertise and support the implementation of a fair, practical and technology-neutral electrification strategy.