ABSTRACT
Energy poverty in Germany is an almost unknown phenomenon. This is not due to its complete absence, but is linked to the fact that issues related to it are mostly related to affordability. The main objective of the present chapter is to show, based on various arguments from the literature, that energy poverty is a relevant phenomenon that is distinct from economic poverty and affordability. Also, we analyze this distinction as it appears at the level of individual perception in East versus West Germany, in order to identify if the former socialist space is affected to a higher extent and if contrasts are persistent given their different historic paths. We find that, although energy poverty rates are higher in East Germany, the specific welfare effect is much lower as compared to West Germany. This result contradicts the evidence in other circumstances, such as unemployment or income poverty. We explain the paradox by employing the theoretical frameworks of stigmatization and coping strategies. Yet the lack of recognition of energy poverty as such and its conventional link to the post-socialist roots of East Germany can serve as an explanation for its discreet perception in reality.
