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Examination of the Factors of Multidimensional Energy Poverty in a Hungarian Rural Settlement

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  • Mónika Rákos

    (Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Laura Mihály-Karnai

    (Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Dániel Fróna

    (Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Str. 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Csaba Csetneki

    (Mayor’s Office of Újszentmargita, 4065 Újszentmargita, Hungary)

Abstract

Energy poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that impairs access to basic energy services and threatens social well-being, particularly in disadvantaged rural communities. This study investigates the extent and drivers of household energy poverty in a Hungarian village through a survey-based analysis (N = 257) conducted in early 2025. The sample is not nationally representative, however, it reflects approximately 20% of the total village population (1331 inhabitants). This study aims to identify vulnerable household profiles, explore correlations between socio-economic and housing factors and perceived thermal comfort, and compare the effectiveness of multiple measurement indicators the 10% rule, low income high cost, 2M, and M/2. We employ descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Fuzzy C-Means clustering, and linear regression, revealing that over half of the sample is energy poor according to the 10% rule, while the LIHC method identifies 29%. Our regression results confirm that cluster membership significantly influences perceived comfort levels (R 2 = 0.063, p = 0.002). We conclude that single-indicator approaches are insufficient to capture the nuanced realities of rural energy poverty, therefore, we recommend the development of a rural energy poverty index. Such a tool could help identify affected households and support the formulation of context-sensitive, evidence-based energy and social policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mónika Rákos & Laura Mihály-Karnai & Dániel Fróna & Csaba Csetneki, 2025. "Examination of the Factors of Multidimensional Energy Poverty in a Hungarian Rural Settlement," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4287-:d:1722599
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