The Issue of energy-poor Households in the Slovak Republic

The concept of “energy poverty” currently lacks a universal definition and a unified methodology, which significantly complicates its adequate resolution. The term “energy poverty” should be distinguished from “fuel poverty,” whose primary determinant is the issue of affordability. Access to energy is fundamental for improving the quality of life and it is a key prerequisite for economic development. In the developing world, energy poverty remains widespread. However, this phenomenon is increasingly present in developed countries as well. It is essential to address energy poverty by studying its causes, symptoms, and impacts on society and the social climate, even in the absence of comprehensive data. Today, energy poverty is regarded as a consequence of systemic inequalities that create barriers to accessing energy at affordable prices.