Infrastructure for Equitable Growth and Energy Poverty Reduction

Abstract

Energy poverty, a significant challenge to sustainable development, is the focus of this chapter. Delving into the causes of energy poverty in Bulgaria, it explores shifts in trade terms and energy supply conditions for households influenced by political decisions impacting energy infrastructure. The analysis covers various factors contributing to energy poverty in Bulgaria, emphasizing its manifestation during the transition from regulated to liberalized trade policies and integration into the EU's free energy market. The chapter aims to unravel Bulgaria's persistent energy poverty, unparalleled compared to other European countries, despite surplus energy production. By scrutinizing energy poverty levels, incomes, inequalities, prices, social protection, and household expenditures in Bulgaria versus other EU states; it seeks to understand the factors contributing to Bulgaria's disproportionately high energy poverty. This investigation sheds light on the underlying reasons, hindering the pursuit of equitable growth in living standards.