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How Much Energy Do We Need to Live Decently?

Author

Listed:
  • Clémence Briodeau
  • Corinne Chaton

Abstract

To reduce fuel poverty and work towards a fair energy transition, it is important to know the ‘essential goods basket’ of each household. This is then used to determine the income needed to live decently, taking prices into account. One component of this essential basket is a decent level of energy for housing. The main objective of this study is to estimate, using French public data, the minimum quantity of energy that would enable each household to meet its basic needs in its home, depending on its characteristics, its home and its location. Estimating minimum energy levels obviously reveals significant differences depending on the thermal quality of the dwelling (measured by an EPC rating). The type of dwelling and its surface area also have an impact. Household composition, on the other hand, does not appear to be statistically significant. JEL Classification: D12, Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis; Q41, Energy: Demand and Supply; Prices

Suggested Citation

  • Clémence Briodeau & Corinne Chaton, 2026. "How Much Energy Do We Need to Live Decently?," The Energy Journal, , vol. 47(4), pages 217-243, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:47:y:2026:i:4:p:217-243
    DOI: 10.1177/01956574261438739
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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