Survey of Energy Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

A large number of households facing difficulties in covering their energy costs and energy needs (around 11% in EU). The consequences of the energy poverty are financial problems, bad living conditions and health problems. One of the main characteristics of power system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is that the same amount of energy achieves four times less than the gross national product then in the average EU countries, and double air pollution. Energy use in households and public sector is extremely inefficient. Low price of energy refused foreign investors in renewable energy sources. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the crossroads and must to decide where to go: Continue the previous practice and ensure poverty to future generations or to change policies of energy management, and promote usage of RES and investments in energy sector. The process of European integration represents a chance for B&H to join the EU trends and take a chance for energy reforms and guarantee sustainable development of country. In this paper will be discussed a problem of energy poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina on a national level. Energy poverty is very complex problem and its complexity will be shown by an overview of the current researchs. The paper will present the results of realized researches on energy poverty in B&H. The final part of the paper will be focused on possible means and mechanisms for prevention of energy poverty in the B&H.