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Diagnosing Energy Poverty in Portugal through the Lens of a Social Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Pedro Moura

    (Institute of System and Robotics, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Paula Fonseca

    (Institute of System and Robotics, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Inês Cunha

    (Municipality of Coimbra, Praça 8 de Maio, 3000-300 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Nuno Morais

    (Municipality of Coimbra, Praça 8 de Maio, 3000-300 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

Energy poverty (EP) is a crucial socio-economic problem in current society, as it deprives people of a basic standard of living and quality of life. In general, EP is linked to various factors, but it is primarily associated with high energy costs, low household income, and inefficient building structures. Due to the recent energy crisis in Europe, the importance of these factors has escalated. Bearing in mind the above remarks, the REVERTER EU-funded LIFE project will develop and test nine roadmaps in four European countries (Brezovo—Bulgaria; Athens Urban area—Greece; Riga—Latvia; and Coimbra—Portugal) to alleviate EP by addressing the poor energy efficiency of dwellings. To directly observe real-life scenarios in designated pilot regions, questionnaire surveys were conducted, involving approximately 300 households in each pilot area. This paper presents and evaluates the outcomes of the survey conducted in the central region of Portugal. The findings allow for a deeper comprehension of the factors that impact energy poverty in Portugal, spanning socio-economic aspects, housing characteristics, mechanical systems, energy expenses, and behaviors, as well as the awareness of available support initiatives. Drawing from the survey’s insights, novel strategies are suggested to alleviate energy poverty, with a primary emphasis on crafting tailored, efficient policies that address the genuine requirements of households and individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Moura & Paula Fonseca & Inês Cunha & Nuno Morais, 2024. "Diagnosing Energy Poverty in Portugal through the Lens of a Social Survey," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-28, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:16:p:4087-:d:1458174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miguel Macias Sequeira & João Pedro Gouveia, 2022. "A Sequential Multi-Staged Approach for Developing Digital One-Stop Shops to Support Energy Renovations of Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, July.
    2. Thomson, Harriet & Snell, Carolyn, 2013. "Quantifying the prevalence of fuel poverty across the European Union," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 563-572.
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