The COMANAGE project is at the forefront of addressing governance and management challenges faced by energy communities and citizen-led energy initiatives within the European Union. Its core objective is to foster sustainable energy practices by establishing the Energy Communities Governance Framework (ECGF) and providing the Energy Communities Governance Toolkit (ECGT) to support public authorities. The project is focused on two main goals: supporting the growth and sustainability of existing energy communities and encouraging the creation of new community-owned energy projects.

To ensure the project's effectiveness, a comprehensive monitoring program has been implemented. This program relies on a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to quantitatively assess the project's impact across three dimensions: social, economic, and environmental.

The COMANAGE project evaluates its contributions to energy communities, capacity building for local and regional governments, stakeholder engagement, and the development of relevant legislation and policies. In addition to these quantitative KPIs, qualitative indicators are employed to measure effects on community cohesion, environmental awareness, well-being, trust in institutions, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. This holistic approach paints a detailed picture of the project's commitment to fostering inclusive and empowered communities.

The economic dimension is assessed through KPIs that measure innovation, sustainable energy investment, female leadership, and the inclusion of vulnerable consumers in energy communities. These indicators spotlight the project's role in stimulating the local economy, creating employment opportunities, and advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

Environmental impact is gauged through KPIs that measure energy savings, renewable energy generation, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These metrics underscore the project's dedication to resource conservation, pollution prevention, and ecological resilience.

As the COMANAGE project continues to progress, its rigorous monitoring and evaluation program guides decision-making, identifies areas for refinement, and ensures the enduring growth and sustainability of energy communities and citizen-led energy initiatives. By harnessing insights from this program, the project is poised to make a lasting, positive impact on the European energy landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and community-driven future. The collaboration of pilot partners, including the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), the Krakow Metropolis Association (KMA), and the Lazio National Association of Italian municipalities (ANCI LAZIO), exemplifies a united effort towards achieving the project's objectives and promoting sustainable energy practices across the EU.