Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 5787: Assessing Energy Poverty in Greece Using Open-Access Data: A National and Regional Analysis Based on the 10% Indicator

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 5787: Assessing Energy Poverty in Greece Using Open-Access Data: A National and Regional Analysis Based on the 10% Indicator

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18215787

Authors:
Alexandros Xenakis
Filippos Dimitrios Mexis
Eleni Kanellou
Haris Doukas

Energy poverty remains a pressing social and policy challenge across Europe, particularly in countries like Greece, where economic disparities and climatic conditions vary significantly between regions. This paper presents a scalable and transparent methodological framework for assessing energy poverty using the 10% indicator based on the actual energy expenditure, calculated exclusively from open-access statistical data. The study estimates annual 10% metric values from 2012 to 2023 at both national and regional levels, covering all 13 administrative regions of Greece. By integrating key variables such as household energy consumption, energy prices, income, population distribution, and heating degree days, the framework enables regional comparisons without relying on costly or inaccessible household-level data. The results reveal substantial regional disparities, with northern and mountainous areas consistently exhibiting higher 10% index values due to lower incomes and greater heating needs, while southern and island regions remain less affected. Despite national values remaining below the conventional 10% threshold throughout the period, the findings highlight that significant areas of vulnerability persist. The proposed approach offers a practical tool for policymakers to identify high-risk areas, prioritize building renovation efforts, and support socially inclusive energy transition strategies across the EU.