Energy Poverty Meets Disability: A Critical Analysis of Financial Support Gaps in Europe
摘要
The intersection of disability and energy poverty remains underexplored, despite the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. People with disabilities may have specific needs—such as energy-intensive assistive devices, home temperature regulation, and extended periods spent indoors—that make them particularly vulnerable to energy poverty. While a number of financial assistance programs aim to support individuals with disabilities, they are often not coupled with targeted measures to mitigate energy poverty. This study sheds light on the gap between financial policies supporting people with disabilities and those addressing energy poverty relief. Drawing on document review and comparative policy analysis, the study examines the extent to which national frameworks consider the combined challenges of disability and energy poverty. It reviews financial support policies in five EU member states—Greece, Cyprus, Italy, France, and Spain—that face high levels of energy poverty. The findings indicate that most existing policies fail to integrate disability-specific considerations. To ensure equitable access to energy for the most vulnerable households in Europe, inclusive, coordinated, and disability-aware policy solutions are urgently needed.