Energy Literacy and Energy Poverty in Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Lithuania: Insights from the E-lit Adults Project

Abstract

For millions of Europeans, access to energy is not only a matter of comfort, but also of security and dignity. In 2022, over 41 million EU citizens were unable to keep their homes adequately warm, while an even larger number expressed concern about unpaid utility bills (Eurostat, 2023). These statistics reflect the lived realities of families forced to choose between heating and food, older adults reluctant to use heating out of fear of unaffordable costs, and parents striving to maintain a safe environment for their children.

The Erasmus+ project Energy Literacy for Adults (E-lit Adults) undertook a comprehensive study in five partner countries—Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Lithuania— to gain a clearer picture of the situation across Europe. The consolidated report presents a comparative analysis of energy-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, based on survey data from nearly 700 adults at risk of energy poverty and a review of relevant documents (E-lit Adults, 2024).