Heating your home — something most take for granted — has become a growing financial challenge for millions of Europeans. According to new data from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, 5.3 million people in Germany said they didn’t have enough money to heat their homes properly in 2024.
That represents 6.3 % of the population, down from 8.2 % in 2023 — a noticeable improvement, but still affecting millions.
Across the European Union, nearly 9.2 % of citizens report being unable to afford sufficient heating — meaning roughly one in ten Europeans lives in what experts now call “energy poverty.”
Europe divided by warmth
The gap between countries remains stark.
Greece and Bulgaria top the list, with 19 % of residents struggling to heat their homes.
In contrast, only 2.7 % in Finland and 3.3 % in Slovenia and Poland report such hardship.
Germany’s numbers place it comfortably below the EU average, yet the scale — 5.3 million affected people — highlights how widespread the challenge remains even in one of Europe’s strongest economies.
Energy prices remain the main driver
The surge in energy costs since 2020 has reshaped the financial reality for millions of households. Triggered in part by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and global supply shocks, energy prices in Germany have risen by over 50 % during that period — far outpacing general consumer inflation, which climbed around 19 %.
While energy bills have eased slightly in the past year — down 1.9 % year-on-year in September — for low-income families and pensioners, that decline barely dents the accumulated pressure from previous increases.
Why heating poverty matters
Inadequate heating is more than an inconvenience — it’s a health and social issue. Living in cold homes increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, worsens existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease, and can contribute to isolation, especially among the elderly.
Social organisations warn that many affected households avoid turning on the heat entirely, limit use to one room, or rely on unsafe heating alternatives. The psychological strain and stigma of energy poverty also contribute to broader inequality across Europe.
Germany’s position in the EU context
Germany’s relatively low share compared with southern and eastern Europe is due to higher incomes, better energy efficiency standards, and stronger welfare mechanisms. Yet the absolute number of affected people — over five million — keeps the issue high on the policy agenda.
Experts note that energy poverty is often hidden, as many affected individuals avoid seeking help or are unaware of available subsidies. The German government has introduced temporary energy cost relief measures in recent years, but critics argue that they remain too general and not sufficiently targeted at the most vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead
Although inflation is stabilizing and energy markets are calming, energy poverty remains a lingering consequence of Europe’s recent crises. As Germany continues its transition toward renewable energy and more efficient housing, policymakers face a double challenge: keeping the climate transition affordable while ensuring that no household is left in the cold.
The 2024 data offers cautious optimism — but as long as millions still hesitate to switch on the heat, Europe’s energy transition remains incomplete.
