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Implications and Measurement of Energy Poverty across the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandru Maxim

    (CERNESIM Environmental Research Center, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Str. General Berthelot 16, 700483 Iasi, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Costică Mihai

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Constantin-Marius Apostoaie

    (CERNESIM Environmental Research Center, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Str. General Berthelot 16, 700483 Iasi, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Cristian Popescu

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Costel Istrate

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ionel Bostan

    (Doctoral School of Economics, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Str. Universitatii 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Energy poverty, or the inability of households to afford adequate access to energy services, is an issue that can have a significant effect on the quality of life and even the state of health of individuals and even the overall development of a nation. Since it was first brought into focus more than two decades ago in the UK, this topic has gradually gained the attention of academics and policy makers all across the EU and beyond. The current paper addresses the topic by providing not only a renewed discussion, but also an improved energy poverty indicator (with clear and relevant results at the EU level): the Compound Energy Poverty Indicator (CEPI). Moreover, knowing that the risk of poverty and social exclusion, efficiency of heating systems, total consumption of energy per household and rising energy prices tend to increase the severity of this problem in some countries, CEPI is then included into an econometric model so as to determine some possible factors that tend to put pressure on an already existing issue of energy poverty. The results of this research are expected to be relevant not only for academics (as it offers insights into the structure and severity of this topic within the European Union), but also for national and EU policymakers who are confronted in the field with the problem of sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandru Maxim & Costică Mihai & Constantin-Marius Apostoaie & Cristian Popescu & Costel Istrate & Ionel Bostan, 2016. "Implications and Measurement of Energy Poverty across the European Union," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:5:p:483-:d:70173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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