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Alleviating fuel poverty in the EU

Summary

The study published by BPIE found that energy subsidies and direct financial support for household heating cannot provide a long-term solution to the fuel-poverty problem. However, vigorous energy-renovation measures of fuel poor homes can give a long-term answer to fuel poverty. Case studies of EU countries financing measures against fuel poverty indicate that – even though energy efficiency measures have proven to be the most sustainable solution to the fuel poverty problem – they receive lower funding compared to income and fuel price support schemes. To evaluate the extent of the problem, the study describes the current situation of fuel poverty in Europe using data from Eurostat. The indicators used to measure fuel poverty refer to the inability of people to keep their home adequately warm, to pay their utility bills and to live in a dwelling without defects (leakages, damp walls, etc.).