Ombudsman Calls for Enhanced Protection of Vulnerable Households in New Green Savings Program

The Czech Ombudsman has called for enhanced protection for vulnerable households under the New Green Savings programme, urging the government to preserve the subsidy scheme that supports energy-efficient home renovations for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Ombudsman Stanislav Křeček wrote to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on February 16, 2026, emphasizing that the New Green Savings programme represents the only viable path to decent housing for some households. He warned that limiting or abolishing the subsidy could push vulnerable families into poverty, particularly as the current government seeks funding to maintain the programme amid financial constraints.

The Ministry of the Environment, led by Chairman of Motorists Petr Macinka, had previously announced adjustments to the programme due to lack of funds. Under the revised system announced in March 2026, direct subsidies for home insulation or solar panel installations are now available only to low-income households, while others must use interest-free loans where the state covers the interest.

The New Green Savings programme, administered by the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, has supported energy-efficient renovations in family houses and apartment buildings since 2009. During the 2009-2024 period, it benefited 500,000 households and distributed a total of 117 billion CZK in support. The programme focuses on reducing energy poverty and improving access to dignified housing through measures such as insulation, window and door replacements, and upgrading non-ecological heating sources.

The Ombudsman stressed that abrupt changes to a long-standing and stable subsidy programme are unpredictable and should have been announced well in advance. He appealed to the government to preserve the subsidy to ensure affordable and dignified housing for citizens, noting that the programme’s conditions have evolved over time but its core parameters have remained consistent.