Energy Poverty and Vulnerability Trends in Southern and Western Europe during Crisis Years

C. Baumann, J.C. Romero, R. Barrella

Sustainability Vol. 17, nº. 12, pp. 5264

Summary:

The recent COVID-19 and energy crises have intensified energy poverty (EP) in Europe, driven by skyrocketing energy prices and worsening financial pressures. This paper measures the different EP dimensions in three different EU Member States, namely Spain, Italy, and France, and carries out a comparative analysis of the EP situation in these countries between 2017 and 2022. This study reveals that, despite some disparities, the Member States share similar EP trends, with an alarming increase in the population living in dwellings with the presence of leaks, dampness, and rot. Also, the EP situation seemed to improve in all three countries until 2019, but it has since worsened. This reinforces that harmonized metrics and policies to address EP at the EU level could be relevant, especially in neighboring countries. This article also proposes an econometric analysis applied to the French case study to unpack the characteristics of households vulnerable to EP. Although the results are not univocal, some energy vulnerability drivers have been identified, such as a low level of education, being inactive or unemployed, or having a large family to support. These factors might help EU decision-makers in designing policies to tackle EP adequately.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio compara la pobreza energética en España, Italia y Francia (2017–2022), revelando tendencias comunes. La mala vivienda, los altos precios y el desempleo aumentan la vulnerabilidad. El artículo destaca factores clave y propone políticas europeas para afrontarla.

English layman's summary:

This study compares energy poverty in Spain, Italy, and France (2017–2022), finding shared trends. Poor housing, high prices, and unemployment increase vulnerability. The paper highlights key risk factors and urges EU-wide policies to better support affected households.

Keywords: Energy Poverty; Indicators; Vulnerable households; Econometric analysis; Spain; France; Italy

JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,100 - Q2 (2025)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125264

Published on paper: June 2025.

Published on-line: June 2025.

Citation:
C. Baumann, J.C. Romero, R. Barrella, "Energy Poverty and Vulnerability Trends in Southern and Western Europe during Crisis Years", Sustainability, Vol. 17, nº. 12, pp. 5264, June 2025. [Online: June 2025] doi: 10.3390/su17125264