Until the publication of the Statement, the PGE Group had not introduced formal procedures for cooperation with affected communities or for assessing the impact of this cooperation.
Nevertheless, some PGE Group companies assess the effectiveness of cooperation with local communities using methods such as:
- media monitoring,
- analysing customer feedback,
- information meetings
- communication with local authorities and community.
Engagement with the community is both direct and through representatives (local authorities, non-governmental organisations). Direct cooperation includes information meetings, public consultations, educational workshops, study visits, and handling of individual requests. Indirect cooperation consists of establishing contacts with local authorities, institutions and non-governmental organisations, posting information online, and organising joint educational, cultural, and sports events.
Actions taken by the PGE Group are targeted towards local communities without particular distinction of marginalised groups. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, “[W]e treat all entities and people we have contact with in the market in an honest and fair manner, this is the priority of our activity”.
The cooperation extends to various stages of the PGE Group’s activities, from planning and implementation to ongoing operations. Its frequency depends on the needs of the community and the specific nature of the project at hand. An important element of project implementation in the PGE Group is dialogue with stakeholders based at our main investment locations. Prior to the commencement of a project, an analysis is carried out to determine the situation of the affected community and the impact of the planned project on the residents and the surrounding area. The PGE Group reacts to reported needs and problems, trying to minimise the negative effects of its activities and support local initiatives.
At the PGE Group, relationships with the local community and their development are the responsibility of the CSR Department at PGE S.A., which reports to the President of the Management Board. The CSR Department is tasked with projects implemented with and for the community, including an employee volunteering programme, and developing new standards and principles of cooperation and its directions.
Dialogue with local communities
The PGE Group engages in dialogue with local community residents and representatives to better understand their needs and expectations. Meetings, public consultations, and awareness-raising initiatives help build positive relationships and cooperation. Examples of meetings held in 2024 include:
- Meeting of the Housing Estate Council No. 6 in Bogatynia, to which representatives of the Turów Power Plant and the Turów Mine were invited. Among other things, subjects related to the operation of the mine and power plant and their impact, especially in terms of noise and dust, were discussed;
- Information meeting for the residents of the Choczewo municipality (PGE Baltica Sp. z o.o.);
- Meeting with local government representatives to discuss heat supply for the city of Gryfino;
- Meeting of the Housing Estate Council No. 8 in Bogatynia, to which representatives of the Turów Power Plant and the Turów Mine were invited. Among other things, subjects related to the operation of the mine and power plant, were discussed;
- Meeting in the form of a public discussion on the solutions included in the draft local spatial development plan concerning the waste heap (ZOWER sp. z o.o.);
- Public consultation in Łebień regarding wind energy investments (PGE Energia Odnawialna S.A.);
- Public consultation in Tawęcino regarding wind energy investments (PGE Energia Odnawialna S.A.).
Opinions of the community are considered as much as possible when the PGE Group takes decisions and plans activities. They are analysed as part of operational and investment processes as well as environmental activities. In response to requests, specific actions can also be taken, contributing to a minimisation of negative impacts on local communities and to an improvement of relationships with stakeholders.