This article draws on various research projects undertaken by IDDRI, most notably a study [Erard, T., Chancel, L., Saujot, M. (2015). Energy poverty facing data challenges , IDDRI, Study, N°01/15] that examines energy poverty policies from the standpoint of data mobilized by various actors at different stages of the policymaking process. This data-centered approach was particularly revelatory of the limits in the ways in which energy poverty policies are currently structured.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Currently, there is a lack of coordination between the various instruments to combat energy poverty, negatively impacting the overall efficacy of these measures. Establishing a national—and extended and deployed at the local level—strategy to combat energy poverty could help overcome this obstacle, via:
- Developing appropriate statistical and administrative measures to better understand and deal with the phenomenon;
- Aligning all actors and stakeholders around a single definition and shared indicators;
- Establishing an inter-ministerial post for the management and coordination of the fight against energy poverty at the national level; and improving planning and strengthening the institutional framework at the local level;
- Increasing supporting subsidies for vulnerable households and those live under energy constraints;
- Assigning the task of reviewing and assessing these measures and policies to the Observatoire national de la précarité énergétique (ONPE).
