From Protection to Structural Reform: Energy Poverty Policy and the Just Energy Transition in Greece

Energy poverty has evolved from a predominantly affordability-based concern into a multidimensional policy challenge encompassing (i) income, (ii) housing conditions, (iii) energy efficiency, (iv) access to essential energy services, and (v) social vulnerability. This report examines the evolving European Union framework for addressing energy poverty and assesses its implications for Greece. It conceptualizes EU policy through three interconnected pillars: prevention, protection, and structural reform, which encompass social and climate finance, consumer protection schemes, incentives for renovation, energy efficiency standards, and participation in renewable and community energy. Particular attention is given to Greece’s emerging national architecture, including the updated Energy Poverty Action Plan and the APOLLON programme, which signals a shift from recurrent energy-bill support toward renewable-based structural interventions. The report identifies remaining gaps concerning protection from energy disconnection, the influence of the Social Climate Fund deployment, and outcome-based monitoring; hence, it proposes an integrated pathway for enabling vulnerable households to sustainably exit energy poverty.