Energy poverty occurs when households cannot afford or access the energy they need for basic activities like heating, lighting, cooking, and mobility. This issue affects millions of Europeans, leading to poor health, social exclusion, and increased financial stress.

Why was this study conducted? 
This literature review is part of the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) project SCEPA. SCEPA supports local governments and stakeholders in developing effective, locally tailored strategies to mitigate energy poverty. Since energy poverty differs significantly across regions, understanding local contexts and identifying best practices is essential. HAN University of Applied Sciences conducted this research to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes and impacts of energy poverty, as well as successful intervention strategies.

What value does this research add? 

• Tailored solutions: By highlighting the diversity of energy poverty conditions across regions, the review helps avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.
• Integrated strategies: It emphasizes the importance of combining technical, financial, and social measures for effective solutions.
• Enhanced policy-making: Offers actionable insights to support sustainable policy development within the SCEPA framework.
• Empowering communities: Demonstrates how engaging local actors and affected households improves the impact and acceptance of interventions.
• Focus on well-being: Frames energy not just as a commodity, but as a means to improve quality of life and social inclusion.

How to use this research?

If you are a policymaker, social worker, or involved in community energy projects, this report offers a solid knowledge base to inform your work. It supports developing tailored, effective, and sustainable approaches to reduce energy poverty in your area.