Energy Poverty, Income Distribution, and Macroeconomic Stability: An Evaluation from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
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Energy Poverty, Income Distribution, Macroeconomic Stability, Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
This study approaches energy poverty not merely as an issue of physical access to energy but as a multidimensional development problem, considering its implications for income distribution inequalities, social exclusion, regional development disparities, and macroeconomic stability. Through analyses conducted on the case of Turkey, it is observed that energy poverty is particularly concentrated in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups due to infrastructural deficiencies, low income levels, and insufficient social protection mechanisms. It is observed that some households in these regions are unable to adequately heat their homes and struggle to afford energy costs. This situation positions energy poverty not only as a matter of individual welfare loss but also as a structural problem that deepens social inequalities and economic vulnerabilities. In this study, policy recommendations are developed to reduce inequalities in energy access, including enhancing social assistance through more precise targeting mechanisms, promoting energy efficiency projects, and encouraging local renewable energy solutions. Moreover, it is emphasized that energy poverty should be addressed not only within the framework of social policy but also from the perspective of macroeconomic stability. In this context, the study underscores the need to restructure energy policies with a holistic approach that prioritizes social justice, economic balance, and environmental sustainability in line with sustainable development goals.
Keywords: Energy Poverty, Income Distribution, Macroeconomic Stability, Sustainable Development
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