Energy poverty in winter: how it affects colder climates

Energy poverty is really tough in the warmer summer months, no doubt about that. Hot nights where it's hard to sleep or exaggerated expenses due to air conditioning in homes that have cooling systems. However, there is always the option to go outside and take a breather, plus the negative effects of heat are less damaging than those of cold. But now, as we are facing the coldest months of the year, we must take into account that winter energy poverty can be devastating in many households. Both due to the huge economic expense it entails and the possible health complications it can cause.

We can refer to two phenomena under the term energy poverty that are very similar and have devastating effects, whose origin lies in the improper construction of buildings and their poor protection against climate changes. While the strict definition states that any home that is energy poor is one where the expenditure on utilities is 10% of the household income of its occupants.

In this way, we find two types of energy poverty:

1. Those families who, due to the crisis, have seen their purchasing power decreased to the point where paying for electricity, gas, and water becomes a burden leading to unpaid bills or serious economic problems.
2. Those families who, although they have average purchasing power, have seen how the price of energy has risen so much that it consumes an important part of their monthly income, at least a tenth or more.

In both cases, the main problem is the construction of homes. Why? Basically, the most significant energy consumption of a home is for our thermal comfort. This is the expenditure on traditional heating or other conventional climate control systems, or the way we heat sanitary water.

What characteristics does a poorly prepared house with winter energy poverty have?

• They usually have poorly insulated walls against cold and heat.
• Windows and doors have areas where they are poorly sealed and are not prepared to ensure airtightness.
• The air renewal is minimal and there is poor circulation.
• Heating is done through traditional systems like resistance heaters or expensive gas systems.
• There are no efficient systems for heating sanitary water.
• Lighting is inefficient, and extra spending on artificial light is required.

The last point, lighting, can be solved with the use of electric bulbs. But the others require more effort or investment. However, it is necessary to avoid situations of energy poverty, which is worse in winter.

Why is energy poverty worse in winter?

Winter energy poverty is a scourge that can become deadly. Recent studies state that the inability to pay gas or electricity bills accounts for between 2,500 and 9,300 premature deaths in Spain. When looked at from this perspective, these energy-related issues are more lethal in number than traffic accidents.

What is the problem in winter? The inability to meet utility payments. In that case, many families are forced to look for impractical solutions or even to forego heating altogether. And that, in very cold climates and on extremely low-temperature days, can pose a health risk.

To alleviate the negative effects on that 10% of the Spanish population affected by winter energy poverty, the public administration in Spain has started to offer timid aids, though it is in the rest of Europe where the situation is much more advanced.

What can be done to eliminate winter energy poverty?

• It is necessary to undertake structural reforms of the home. For example, strengthening the walls.
• Windows and doors must be sealed and made with materials that prevent the passage of cold and heat.
• Traditional climate control systems should be replaced with those of greater energy efficiency.
• A mechanical ventilation system can greatly help improve air circulation and maintain a more comfortable climate in the space.

The problem for many families is how to manage that investment, for which it is necessary to apply for public aid. In the case of homes at risk of facing energy poverty in the future, it is highly advisable to make a home improvement plan as soon as possible, since with the constant increases in the electricity bill - which are expected to continue - all inefficient homes will ultimately suffer this scourge.

It is important to keep in mind winter energy poverty and not allow this problem to affect our daily lives. The consequences can be fatal.