Policy prescriptions to address energy and transport poverty in the United Kingdom

Benjamin K. Sovacool (), Paul Upham, Mari Martiskainen, Kirsten E. H. Jenkins, Gerardo A. Torres Contreras and Neil Simcock
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Benjamin K. Sovacool: University of Sussex
Paul Upham: University of Sussex
Mari Martiskainen: University of Sussex
Kirsten E. H. Jenkins: University of Edinburgh
Gerardo A. Torres Contreras: University of Sussex
Neil Simcock: Liverpool John Moores University

Nature Energy, 2023, vol. 8, issue 3, 273-283

Abstract: Abstract Tens of millions of households across Europe struggle to afford adequate electricity and heating services and reliable transportation, while recent high fuel prices could lead to an increase in excess winter deaths. Tackling energy and transport poverty is thus of paramount policy importance. Here we document the drivers and lived experiences of energy and transport poverty in the United Kingdom, based on public focus groups and expert interviews. We find a set of policies that resonate with both expert planners and members of the public, implying they have a level of political and social acceptability that other measures may be lacking, notably: mandatory landlord energy efficiency upgrades, increasing the extent of financial assistance to households, cheaper (or even free) bus and train fares and restarting and expanding bus services. We buttress these findings with further suggestions for energy and transport system redesign that better meets emerging principles of energy and social justice.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-023-01196-w

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