Author: Ioannis Kostakis (Harokopio University of Athens) - Energy poverty remains a pressing issue within the residential sector, as many households struggle to access and afford adequate energy for heating, cooling, and daily needs. This vulnerability is particularly significant in Europe, where socioeconomic disparities, rising energy prices, and climate-related factors exacerbate the risk of energy poverty, affecting well-being, health, and social inclusion. Addressing this challenge is crucial for ensuring equitable access to energy, promoting sustainable living conditions, and supporting the EU’s long-term goals for a just and green transition. This study examines energy poverty and households’ vulnerability in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, aiming to identify the key factors influencing its prevalence. Econometrically, utilizing panel data methods and data retrieved from the national statistical authorities over the period 2018-2022, the study explores severe material deprivation to uncover the underlying causes of poverty among the most vulnerable groups. More specifically, the empirical findings indicate that socioeconomic characteristics such as income, urbanization, education level, household size, tenure status, age, and environmental parameters, including cooling and heating degree days, might be crucial in shaping energy poverty risk. These insights provide a foundation for targeted policy interventions, urging authorities to develop effective, inclusive measures to combat energy poverty across Southern Europe.
