Navigating Energy Poverty in Southern and Western Europe: A Comparative Study of Vulnerability Trends in Crisis Years

Abstract

The recent energy crisis in Europe has intensified energy poverty (EP), driven by skyrocketing energy prices and worsening financial pressures. Furthermore, inefficient housing and unfavorable socio-economic factors exacerbate the issue, making it even more difficult for vulnerable households to access and afford the energy they need.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, France, Italy and Spain share similar EP trends. 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 because of the multitude of socioeconomic factors to be considered and the multiple facets of EP, some 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.