Revue des arts et des sciences sociales

Social Innovation in Tackling Energy Poverty

Abstract

Lynne M. Rouse*

The pathways towards low-carbon energy transition are faced with the challenge of including energy vulnerable households, which is an issue of growing interest in Europe. Energy poverty refers to the difficulty or inability of a household to maintain adequate temperature conditions, as well as other essential energy domestic services, at a reasonable price. According to the Energy Poverty Observatory it is estimated that people were unable to keep their homes warm in the European Union, thereby experiencing energy poverty. If not specifically addressed by all actors, the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic could affect a greater number of vulnerable people, thus increasing energy poverty. Some progress has been made towards tackling the problem, but it remains a pressing challenge that requires attention to the wide variety of causes and perspectives involved, as well as the efforts of a wide range of actors.