This report presents a summary of findings from 208 focus group discussions (FGDs) held across eight countries (Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Romania, Tajikistan, and Turkey) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) between 2013 and 2014. This report complements a large body of research on the poverty impacts of the energy sector reforms as well as quantitative data previously collected. Specifically, it gives voice to poor and middle-income citizens, and presents their perspectives and concerns with regard to rising tariffs and reforms in the energy sector overall. The report argues that by gaining a deeper understanding of the narratives that people attach to energy issues, governments can design better mitigation policies to address the reforms’ adverse impacts; better communication campaigns to convey the rationale of reforms to the public; and institute stronger accountability measures to help citizens protect their rights as consumers.
