Energy Poverty

Energy poverty is a new and increasingly frequently used term that denotes an individual status in which bills for energy consumption represent an extremely high share of total household expenses. This situation forces individuals/families to consume less energy in their households (saves on lighting, heating and cooling rooms, and maintaining basic hygiene conditions). According to data from the European Commission, more than 34 million people in the European Union experienced some form of energy poverty and among them, the most vulnerable demographic group (retired people) is most affected. Unfortunately, the conflict in Ukraine additionally contributes to the increase in energy prices, and thus increases the percentage of the population that is exposed to energy poverty. This situation significantly reduces the quality of life and can have negative effects on the mental and physical health of the individual. One of the possible solutions that can reduce the energy poverty of the population is the establishment of legal regulations that will contribute to the quality construction of residential buildings by ensuring quality insulation properties and the use of renewable energy sources. This paper presents other technical and technological solutions that can contribute to the reduction of energy poverty of the global population in an environmentally friendly way.