Crisis Management Days

Energy poverty in the republic of Croatia – Analysis of risks, causes and consequences

Sanja Kalambura

University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4337-4892

Luka Škrlec

Keywords: energy poverty, energy prices, energy renovation, survey, social policy, Croatia, energy efficiency

---

Abstract

Energy poverty is one of the key social and economic challenges in the Republic of Croatia and requires a systematic, integrated, and multidimensional approach. This paper examines energy poverty in Croatia, focusing on its causes, consequences, and potential mitigation measures. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between low household income, rising energy prices, and low energy efficiency of the housing stock, as well as to assess the effectiveness of existing social and energy policy measures. The research methodology includes a review of relevant scientific and professional literature, analysis of legal and strategic documents, and a survey conducted among 120 respondents. The survey explored citizens’ perceptions of energy poverty, energy costs, housing quality, and attitudes towards measures for improvement. The results show that 95% of respondents recognise energy poverty as a serious social problem, and 78% consider energy costs to be high relative to income. About half of households spend more than 20% of their income on energy, while 40% occasionally fall behind on bill payments. More than half of respondents state that insufficient heating and cooling affect their health and quality of life. As key measures for alleviating the problem, respondents highlight building energy renovation and subsidies for energy sources, while a smaller proportion emphasise the need for education and stronger institutional support. In conclusion, the research confirms that energy poverty is a multidimensional issue requiring an integrated approach through the coordination of social, technical, and regulatory policies, as well as the strengthening of local initiatives for energy efficiency and a just transition.

---

Author Biography

Sanja Kalambura, University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica

Vice-dean for Research and Quality

University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica

Zagrebačka 5, Velika Gorica

Croatia

---

References

Arsenopoulos, A., Marinakis, V., Koasidis, K., Stavrakaki, A., & Psarras, J. (2020). Assessing resilience to energy poverty in Europe through a multi-criteria analysis framework. Sustainability, 12(12), 4899.

Babić, A., & Maras, D. (2024). Analysis of energy poverty in the Republic of Croatia. Mednarodno inovativno poslovanje= Journal of Innovative Business and Management, 16(1), 1-10.

Bajo, A., & Klemenčić, I. (2015). Solidarna naknada za električnu energiju. Porezni vjesnik: službeno glasilo Porezne uprave Republike Hrvatske, 24(10), 121-124.

Ballester, J. (2022). Health impacts of inadequate heating and cooling. Journal of Public Health Studies.

Barbarić, A. (2021). Društvena uključenost i energetsko siromaštvo. Socijalna politika.

Bežovan, G., Puljiz, V., Šućur, Z., Babić, Z., Dobrotić, I., Matković, T. & Zrinščak, S. (2019). Socijalna politika Hrvatske. Zagreb: Pravni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu.

Culver, L. (2017). Measuring energy poverty: Indicators and methods. Energy Policy, 105, 246–257.