Western Macedonia seeks heating allowance increase and housing renovation funds

The Regional Council of Western Macedonia has unanimously approved a request to increase the heating allowance by 50% starting from the 2026–2027 winter season. Regional Governor Giorgos Amanatidis supported the measure, citing increased heating needs, higher fuel taxes, and reduced incomes resulting from the region's lignite phase-out. The proposal, which includes suggestions from labor unions, will be forwarded to relevant ministries to seek a permanent mechanism for compensating citizens for excessive heating costs.

Additionally, a new housing renovation program for Western Macedonia has been integrated into the 2021–2027 regional development plan. With a total budget of 3,000,000 euros co-financed by Greece and the European Union, the initiative aims to help low-to-middle-income households renovate and energy-upgrade older homes. The program provides grants ranging from 70% to 80% of costs for properties built before 1990, targeting approximately 83 homes to improve energy efficiency and housing affordability.