Energy poverty & public health
Energy poverty is part of the general framework of poverty, but it presents some special characteristics. An energy poor person is not necessarily poor. However, unlike many other goods and services, meeting energy needs is not a choice for households but a prerequisite for the livelihood of household members.
Numerous studies show that failure to ensure satisfactory thermal comfort conditions inside buildings increases mortality and morbidity rates during the winter. This occurs mainly in vulnerable groups of the population such as the elderly and children.
Living in a cold home is associated with increased rates of several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, colds, flu, etc.
It is uncertain whether households suffering from energy poverty are aware of the health risks caused by low indoor temperatures in their homes.
Energy poverty is related to the issue of adequate housing as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
VULNERABLE GROUPS
Low-income households are more vulnerable to fluctuations in energy prices, while unemployed and elderly people spending more time at home need higher energy coverage to heat or cool their homes.
A greater challenge is faced by household members who require mechanical support, that is, they depend on medical devices, people with dependence on life support technology. These can be patients with mechanical ventilators, oxygen devices, battery-powered wheelchairs, feeding pumps, etc. For these people, a safe and continuous power supply is vital.
It is important to note that, in Greece, the responsibility falls mainly on the patients themselves and their families, since there is no provision for households where their members require mechanical support.
