Work

Policies for times of disruptions: How households in Europe dealt with the energy crisis in the winter 2022/2023

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Russian war against Ukraine in 2022 significantly impacted Europe's energy supply, causing a sharp rise in energy prices that directly affected European households, especially the economically vulnerable, leading to financial strain and disruptions in energy-related practices like heating and cooking. Households in six European countries (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Switzerland) were surveyed to examine the challenges and adaptations, including strategies like reducing room temperature and energy consumptio, and how these vary across political and socio-technical contexts. Using descriptive statistics and factor analysis, this paper shows that the perception of rising energy prices varies across countries but feeling affected by the crisis does not necessarily translate into everyday energy-saving actions. However, a higher perceived impact on daily life correlates with lower confidence in the future, particularly among younger participants, low-income groups, and women. The paper highlights policy opportunities and challenges during crises, which offer a chance for change and raise awareness of the need for faster green energy transition, but could, if mishandled, widen disparities and lead to rejection of this goal. It recommends three approaches: strengthening vulnerable groups without worsening inequalities, building resilience to future energy crises, and fostering public confidence in managing disruptions.

Source: Energy Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114711