Energy poverty is not simply the absence of electricity; it is the lack of reliable, affordable, and sufficient energy services needed for daily life, education, and economic activity. Even though global electricity access has reached nearly 92%, a large share of the world’s population still consumes very little electricity, revealing a deeper and less visible form of deprivation.
The concept of energy poverty includes not only whether households are connected to the grid but also whether the energy supply is stable and affordable. Many people who technically have access still face frequent outages, high costs, or insufficient power to support basic needs or productive activities such as running businesses or using modern technology.
The article highlights that energy insecurity can act as a poverty trap. When electricity is unreliable, households and businesses become hesitant to invest in long-term improvements, such as education, equipment, or expansion of economic activities. This uncertainty limits productivity and reinforces cycles of low income and limited opportunity.
