Plugging the gap between energy policy and the lived experience of energy poverty: five principles for a multi-disciplinary approach

In this chapter, we illustrate the value of a multi-disciplinary approach to energy poverty policy, drawing on insights from research into the lived experience of energy poverty in three European countries. We argue that understanding the lived experience of energy poverty is critical in designing energy policies, which are fair, effective and aligned with people’s daily lives. In addition, we contend that bringing together a range of disciplines to examine dimensions of the lived experience of energy poverty (such as housing, employment, education, social policy, health, energy etc.) is essential to give breadth to our understanding of this challenging, and multi-faceted condition. We propose five principles for policy design, informed by our multi-disciplinary understanding of the lived experience. These principles can be applied at a range of scales (local, regional, national and European) to help ensure that the energy poor are both well served, and represented, by energy policy.