This paper describes the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a tool for problem structuring, which is the first phase encompassed in a methodological approach currently under development to provide decision support based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in energy planning problems in an urban context. In order to apply the methodology to a real-world problem, a medium sized Portuguese city has been chosen as the decision setting. SSM is used for characterizing as precisely as possible the decision problem context, identifying the main stakeholders and their relations, and discerning the relevant criteria at stake for each one. Future work directions based on this phase are also envisaged. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT