Social and Spatial Changes in Energy Poverty

Energy poverty is an important societal and economic issue in Bulgaria and due to financial limitations a significant share of households is at risk of falling into this category. This study aims to analyze the socio-demographic and spatial aspects of energy poverty by assessing the impact of income, educational status, age, size and type of the households, as well as the characteristics of the residential building stock. Based on an empirical study of households, an assessment was made of specific subjective indicators for access to energy and an adequate quality of life. The results from the study show that elderly people, households with low income where people share a single-family home in small towns and villages, as well as single person households, are the most vulnerable with regards to the risk of energy poverty. The risk of energy poverty is not only due to economic factors, but also to a set of accompanying indicators, such as social structure, demographic characteristics, and type of dwelling. On the basis of an in-depth analysis, a number of targeted policy recommendations and measures for limiting energy poverty and improving energy efficiency have been formulated.