Understanding Energy Poverty
Energy poverty is directly linked to the inadequate coverage of a household’s energy needs. It is primarily caused by three key factors:
Defining the Problem
There is no single, universally accepted definition of energy poverty at the European level. However, it is commonly described as the difficulty—or even the inability—of a household to afford sufficient heating and access to essential energy services at a fair price.
In simple terms, energy poverty refers to a situation where a household cannot adequately meet its energy needs.
Households affected by energy poverty are often forced to live in under-heated homes, reducing their energy consumption to unsustainable levels. This has a direct negative impact on the health and well-being of the household members.
Our Mission
At EPAO, our goal is to combat energy poverty by improving the conditions of vulnerable households and strengthening their resilience.
Vulnerable Households
According to various published studies, it is estimated that at least 50 million people across Europe are affected by energy poverty, while some sources suggest this number could be as high as 125 million.
Recent data shows that a significant proportion of households in the City of Athens live in energy poverty. These households struggle to meet their energy needs and cannot maintain adequate thermal comfort in their homes.