ABSTRACT
In Slovenia, energy poverty has remained a rather discreet phenomenon compared to the situation in other countries in the region, mainly due to Slovenia’s gradual transition to the market economy. This has resulted in fairly progressive increases in energy prices, which, albeit higher than normal for the region, have been well accepted by the population. Income inequality is also comparatively low. Yet, specific groups bear this burden systematically, in a disproportionate way, and the quality of living spaces remains a general issue in Slovenia. Combined NGO–government efforts to tackle these issues have been particularly fruitful over the years, with the non-governmental sector being responsible for most of the initiatives and good practices that have progressively evolved into national policies. This is what makes Slovenia an interesting case study. The current chapter tells the story from the perspective of a number of NGOs that have taken an active part in the process of policy-making and program implementation in Slovenia.
