Measuring fuel poverty. A review of indicators

Abstract

Identifying those households in an energy poverty vulnerability situation is the first step towards addressing a global social problem associated with the lack of minimum energy services, known as Fuel Poverty and Energy Poverty, FP and EP, respectively. The FP concept is defined in the United Kingdom as “the inability to obtain adequate thermal comfort due to the inefficiency of the house”, while the EP concept reflects the impossibility in developing countries of having access to a minimal energy service. The lack of consensus when defining a clear path has meant that some countries have not recognized it as a social problem. The research is based on the review of both concepts, through the conceptual analysis of the terms, FP and EP, a review of indicators used, and the study of the capacity of the indicators to identify and propose solutions to the problem. All this regarding the objectives included: available infrastructures, energy efficiency, social and economic poverty, well-being and social health. The result is a review from a technical perspective in the residential sector, that helps develop solutions that cover the deficiencies found.