Eindhoven, Europe Brief News – Energy poverty has been on the rise especially among low-income households who are unable to meet both ends with soaring energy prices. Most low income households are incapable of heating their houses during winter.
The signs of energy poverty include leaky roofing or hardly managing to pay the utility bills. The indicators differ from country to country and even from household to household. This diversity makes energy poverty quite complex to define and tackle.
The world’s first International Energy poverty action week is set to kick off from 21st february. On this special occasion, Policy makers, Researchers and industry deciders have planned to sit together to come up with a viable solution to this rising problem.
The event marks a shift in public awareness that the EU is spearheading as a result of the European Green deal.
The soaring energy prices has forced national governments to give maximum focus to this issue and the governments are trying different schemes to assist vulnerable households across Europe so they can pay their energy bills.
Some European countries have been implementing temporary solutions to tackle this issue. Denmark’s heating package or the Dutch tax discounts are just short term schemes while Europe needs a long term plan to get rid of this issue.
Dr Peter Mulder, The Author of the most influential to date Dutch study on energy lack by research organisation TNO said “ If you really want to tackle energy poverty in a structural and most effective way, you should improve the quality of the housing stock”.
Strengthening local capacity to ward off Energy poverty:
Since the Energy crisis issue is more of a hype context dependent issue, Most experts believe that strengthening local capacities is more effective than a one size fits all solution.
Jeppe Mikel Jensen , Energy poverty advisory hub said “ Local Authorities have the mandate and best opportunities to support those in need”.
He further added that there is a need for talks at local and national level to ensure that national programs are aligned with the system.
Martha Myers said “ Although a tragedy, energy poverty gives us the opportunity to reimagine what we need to not only fight the climate crisis but actually create a better world for people and the planet”.
