Page 44 - European Energy Innovation - summer 2018 publication

44 Summer 2018 European Energy Innovation

ENERGY POVERTY

Smart approaches to
ending energy poverty

By Stefan Bouzarovski, Professor of Human Geography, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Millions of people worldwide endure energy poverty, with their health and well-being suffering as
a result. A new European network is helping researchers and policymakers to develop a common
approach to improving energy access, and empowering at-risk consumers.

In Europe alone, more than 50 efficiency, reducing society’s carbon constituents,” says Bouzarovski.
million households – nearly 11 % of footprint, he adds. “Our name reflects what we do. We
the population – struggle to keep engage!”
their homes warm, access hot Launched in 2017 to run for four
water, pay their energy bills on time years, the network includes CONNECTED ACTION
or live in damp-free homes. While participants from research Existing EU actions already address
many groups are working to address organisations, national and regional some energy poverty issues, such
this problem, progress has been authorities, businesses and consumer the Energy Performance in Buildings
limited due to differences in how they advocacy groups. Directive under the Energy Union
approach the issues. strategy. In January 2018, the
“There is strong representation across European Commission also launched
In response, the COST-funded
network European Energy Poverty:
Agenda Co-Creation and Knowledge
Innovation (ENGAGER) brings together
more than 60 organisations from
over 30 countries to develop a shared
understanding of energy poverty.

The network is also designing
methods to identify and assist people
at risk, along with training materials
to help consumers influence
decision-makers and access more
affordable energy.

“Energy poverty is a hidden inequality
but it impacts every country in the
world. Measures to reduce this
inequality improve lives,” says the
network’s chair, Professor Stefan
Bouzarovski of the University of
Manchester.

Properly heated homes can help
children perform better at school,
and reduce winter deaths, he notes.
Measures also save money – for
individuals, utility companies and
wider society – and improve energy

www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu