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Energy poverty in Balkans – adjusting policy response to socio-economic drivers

Increase in energy prices and shift to liberalized energy market poses a significant problem for many families in Balkans. While focus on energy poverty is rising, most of the approaches do not take into consideration cultural norms and historical inheritance. When designing policy solutions it is crucial to examine drivers for successful policy implementation in different context while aiming for cost effective solutions. Post- socialist countries are especially vulnerable to energy poverty as a result of many years of regulated and heavily subsidized energy prices and non-efficient housing stock. Different energy policy solutions, i.e. EPC and feed-in- tariffs, have proven to be less effective in Balkans than in Western Europe. The causes to that might vary, but it is likely that historical and economical heritage may play an impeding role for successful policy implementation. Vulnerable energy consumers, those affected by energy poverty, are facing adverse impacts on health, reduced ability to participate in community activities and general inability to meet basic needs. It is of utmost importance to find policy solutions which will enable easing of burden for affected households. This article examines policy context and compares results of case study analyses undertaken in Balkan countries aiming to identify possible policy solutions to cost effectively tackle energy poverty in the region.

Energy Poverty; Energy Policy; Vulnerability; Energy Efficiency;

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