A study conducted by Correctiv.Europe and Azul reveals a staggering 52% increase in individuals reporting energy poverty between 2021 and 2023.

In Portugal, the percentage of energy poverty rose from 16.4% to 20.8% during the same period, marking the highest rate in the EU and indicating worsening socioeconomic conditions.

The multifactorial landscape of energy poverty has worsened due to the energy crisis and geopolitical tensions, particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in early 2022.

Electricity prices in Europe surged nearly 50% from 2019 to 2022, while natural gas costs almost doubled, exacerbating the energy crisis.

Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic diseases, and those living alone, are particularly affected by energy poverty.

Elderly individuals face increased risks of falls and severe health complications due to cold exposure, which can lead to loss of strength and stability.

Research indicates that living in cold homes raises the likelihood of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, posing serious health risks.

The European project Exhaustion, initially focused on heat, has expanded to address cold-related issues, driven by advocacy from researchers like Ana Monteiro.

In response to the growing crisis, Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, announced a forthcoming Action Plan for Affordable Energy.

Experts emphasize that prolonged exposure to cold stresses the body, prioritizing vital organs over extremities, which can lead to serious health risks.

Despite being a southern European country, Portugal is vulnerable to cold due to its Atlantic climate, with projections indicating a potential decline in cold-related deaths by the century's end.

Over 47 million Europeans are currently unable to adequately heat their homes, significantly increasing their risk of health issues related to extreme cold temperatures.