European energy poverty: the case study of Cyprus.

Abstract

Standardized construction of new buildings incorporates energy infrastructure, ensuring that all occupants have access to modern energy, although adequate supply may be unaffordable to households. Millions of people in the European Union are affected by energy poverty and member states are taking steps towards identifying and addressing energy vulnerabilities. Cyprus is one of the member states where essential action has been taken but not assessed for its effectiveness. Its geographic location makes this island a crossroad of European governance and climate and culture characteristics of the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, offering a unique case study with findings applicable to many of its neighbours. This work sets the scene in Part I and explains the reasoning behind the methodological approach of Part II, to develop a rounded view of energy vulnerabilities. The theoretical background is firstly considered, presenting brief accounts of the status quo and the relevant literature in Cyprus and Europe, assessing to what extent policy in Cyprus is consistent with best practices and EU guidelines. To this end, the main findings are tailored policy recommendations affording higher jurisdiction and accountability to regional authorities. In Part II, the current methodology for the detection of energy poverty is explored and alternative approaches are presented. The main findings here indicate that peak mortality occurs during winter months, despite the temperate climatic conditions. Additionally, mortality related to energy poverty can be influenced by major shocks, while populations of rural areas are more exposed relative to urban ones. Moreover, there are indications of households spending large portions of their income towards energy bills for heating and cooling. This contribution adds a particular case study in the existing literature around energy poverty in the EU, serving as a warning sign for countries of the region, which may have not addressed this vulnerability adequately. Impacts of shocks such as the recession or present-day challenges on the public health domain, regional conflicts and socioeconomic crises could be alleviated through targeted and immediate reactions, if policymakers can be prepared for future critical times.