Are Women More Affected by Energy Poverty in Europe?

In Europe, women experience energy poverty more than men. A recent analysis reveals that in most European Union countries, households headed by women more often face difficulties heating their homes or paying their energy bills. This imbalance is most pronounced in Estonia, Latvia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Conversely, Denmark and Sweden are exceptions, with a more balanced situation, or even slightly favorable to women.

Energy poverty refers to the inability to access sufficient energy to meet basic needs such as heating or electricity. In wealthy countries, this issue is mainly linked to energy costs and household incomes. Women, often heading single-parent families or living alone at an advanced age, are particularly vulnerable. They spend a larger portion of their income on energy, which worsens their financial situation.

Income inequalities and the gender pay gap play a key role. For example, in Estonia and Latvia, women spend nearly 3% more of their budget on energy than men. These countries also have significant wage gaps, which exacerbate female energy poverty. In Germany, although the overall level of energy poverty is close to the European average, the gender gap is one of the highest, partly due to income differences.

The health consequences are also more severe for women. Among those experiencing energy poverty, women more frequently report health problems. In Portugal, Hungary, or Lithuania, the gap is particularly clear. Women, often responsible for domestic tasks, spend more time in poorly heated or insulated homes, increasing the risks of cold- or damp-related illnesses.

Social policies and protection systems also influence this situation. In countries where public spending on social protection is high, such as Sweden or Denmark, the gap between men and women narrows. These countries have implemented measures to reduce gender inequalities and support the most vulnerable households.

Rural areas and single-parent families are among the hardest-hit groups. In Greece or Bulgaria, women living in rural areas experience a much larger energy poverty gap than in cities. Single mothers, who account for up to 96% of single-parent households in some countries, are particularly exposed. In Croatia or Estonia, the gap reaches nearly 10% to their disadvantage.

To reduce these inequalities, it is essential to consider gender in energy policies. Solutions must be tailored to the realities of women, who often bear the sole responsibility for children or the elderly. Targeted assistance, such as subsidies for home insulation or social tariffs, could help mitigate these disparities. Without specific action, energy poverty will continue to weigh more heavily on women, deepening social and health inequalities.

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Reference Work

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44458-026-00044-8

Title: A widespread Energy Poverty Gender Gap in the European Union demands targeted policy action

Journal: Communications Sustainability

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Eva Alonso-Epelde; Harriet Thomson; Xaquin García-Muros