Energy poverty is a big problem across Europe

energy poverty in Europe

Although technologies in the field of energy continue to grow day by day, energy poverty has become a major problem in Europe. It is true that renewable energies and energy efficiency are getting better and better and more developed. However, despite the fact that there is no official definition, energy poverty refers to all those people who cannot pay the price of energy to meet their needs.

In addition to the development of alternative energies, the increase in total available energy and the multiple initiatives by organizations, countries and companies to alleviate these problems, it is estimated that between 50 and 125 million people in Europe suffer from this problem of energy poverty. What consequences can this have?

Energy poverty in Europe

Energy poverty not only affects people who cannot afford the electricity that meets their needs, it also affects the environment and the global economy. According to one analysis, people who spend more than 10% of their income on heating for their home live in conditions of energy poverty. This is mainly due to a combination of low income, high energy prices and low energy efficiency of homes.

Of course, the main people affected by energy poverty are those who generate less household income, either due to lack of employment or poor employment. Furthermore, this problem also affects middle class households.

What impacts can it have on society?

aid for energy poverty

Energy poverty can have a huge impact on people's health and well-being. For example, it can increase the risk of mortality in winter, lead to an increased risk in diseases caused by blood circulation problems, respiratory problems, and so on.

Poor home insulation, combined with inadequate heating, produces higher greenhouse gas emissions and consumes more energy at home. Since energy use in homes accounts for a third of CO2 emissions in Europe, the significant impact that this entails for the environment can be deduced.

Currently there are grants to reduce the price of the electricity bill. However, Spain has the most expensive electricity in all of Europe and is the second country with the highest unemployment rate in the entire European Union.

There is a small halo of hope. Schneider Electric collaborates with the NGO Ashoka in the program "Social Innovation to Tackle Fuel Poverty", whose objective is improve the living conditions of millions of disadvantaged people in Europe. The program wants to identify and support annually between 15 and 20 innovative initiatives of social entrepreneurs, focused on fighting energy poverty.


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