Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to modern energy services, which is a situation faced by large numbers of people in developing countries and some people in developed countries. It is a result of complex systemic inequalities that create barriers to accessing modern energy at an affordable price. Energy poverty is challenging to measure and analyze because it is privately experienced within households, specific to cultural contexts, and dynamically changes depending on the time and space.
Energy poverty is most commonly discussed as fuel poverty in the Global North, where discourse is focused on households access to energy sources to heat, cool, and power their homes. Fuel poverty is driven by high energy costs, low household incomes, and inefficient appliances. Older people are more vulnerable to experiencing fuel poverty because of their income status and lack of access to energy-efficient appliances.
Energy poverty can have negative effects on development, society, and the environment. It can lead to malnourishment, unhealthy living conditions, and limited access to education and employment. Energy poverty also impacts the environment, as the use of dirty or polluting fuels can contribute to air pollution and climate change.
The European Union is committed to tackling energy poverty, which occurs when energy bills represent a high percentage of consumers’ income, or when they must reduce their households energy consumption to a degree that negatively impacts their health and well-being. The EU Energy Poverty Observatory and the European Platform on Energy Poverty provide resources to guide stakeholders in the implementation of concrete actions to tackle energy poverty. Across Europe, various projects are developing innovative solutions to combat energy poverty.
In conclusion, energy poverty is a situation where people lack access to modern energy services, which can have negative effects on development, society, and the environment. It is a result of complex systemic inequalities that create barriers to accessing modern energy at an affordable price. The European Union is committed to tackling energy poverty, and various projects are developing innovative solutions to combat it.
