Evaluating the energy poverty in the EU countries

Abstract

The domain of energy poverty is increasingly recognised as a multifaceted global challenge stemming from limited income, high energy costs, and inefficient housing. The issue affects different social groups and regions unevenly, even within Europe. This paper investigates energy poverty across 32 economies, including EU member states and several non-EU European countries, over the period from 2004 to 2021. By analysing micro-level data from the EU-SILC database and Eurostat, the study identifies that low-income households, smaller households, and those living in overcrowded conditions are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty. Interestingly, the research finds that renewable energy does not contribute to alleviating energy poverty in Europe. Based on these results, the study calls for immediate policy measures to improve housing conditions and lower electricity costs, especially for economically disadvantaged households, to effectively address energy poverty.