Energy Poverty and Its Indicators: A Multidimensional Framework from Literature

Inês Teixeira, Ana Cristina Ferreira (), Nelson Rodrigues and Senhorinha Teixeira
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Inês Teixeira: ALGORITMI, Production and Systems Department, University of Minho, Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Ana Cristina Ferreira: COMEGI, Centro em Organizações, Mercados e Gestão Industrial, Universidade Lusíada, 4760-108 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Nelson Rodrigues: ALGORITMI, Production and Systems Department, University of Minho, Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Senhorinha Teixeira: ALGORITMI, Production and Systems Department, University of Minho, Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-30

Abstract: People aim for thermal comfort inside their homes. However, this is not achievable for everyone due to several factors, such as low income, poor building envelope, expensive technology, and increased energy costs, thus leading to energy poverty. This work gathers studies regarding energy poverty and its indicators, identified by different authors and considering different regions, techno-economic, governmental, and political considerations. It was observed that renewable energy sources are a good investment in the long term but require a high initial investment. Government policy measures should be applied to mitigate the costs, especially given the increasing requirement for clean energy use in new buildings. There are still many barriers to overcoming energy poverty, and the variables for action are numerous. The best solution passes through the assessment of adequate technological solutions with economic incentives from the government for the most vulnerable individuals that should be identified by region and economic power. Energy poverty is a multidimensional problem that depends on individual characteristics such as households’ income, specific energy needs, and available technologies, as well as external factors such as energy prices, climatic conditions, and energy access. The majority of energy indicators are directly related to economic aspects, whereas social or environmental considerations are only indirectly accounted for.

Keywords: energy poverty indicators; energy policy; thermal comfort; energy technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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