The Economic Impact of Perceived Energy Poverty: A Population-level Analysis and its Relationship with the SDGs

Abstract

This study analyses perceived energy poverty in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) during the first half of 2023 and examines its economic and social consequences at the population level. The main objective is to establish lines of improvement that can alleviate this situation and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs 3, 7, 10 and 13, in the context of a knowledgebased economy and policy-driven knowledge mobilisation. To this end, 418 surveys were conducted among people in vulnerable situations and beneficiaries of social services. For this purpose, we used structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) due to its effectiveness with small samples and complex latent relationships. The main findings show that a significant proportion of the population is unable to maintain an adequate temperature in their homes during winter or summer, has severe economic difficulties, and shows high levels of stress, anxiety and life dissatisfaction. The PLS results show that energy poverty impacts physical health, mental health, and social support, with the most potent effect on material deprivation. It also affects wellbeing negatively. Social variables and housing conditions influence energy poverty, highlighting its multidimensional nature. This work stands out for its pioneering and exploratory approach in a little-studied local context, contributing novel empirical evidence to the scientific literature. The study proposes integrated strategies promoting SDGs 3, 7, 10 and 13, demonstrating how knowledge guides socio-environmental challenges and inclusive development policies.