Ageism, welfare, and the energy transition: a comparative analysis of the energy practices of the elderly in Poland and Norway

Abstract

Abstract Background One of the potential dimensions on which exclusion and injustice may occur in energy transitions is age. That age-based pattern of exclusion – ageism – has recently been conceptualized in the context of decarbonization as energy ageism. This paper offers a comparative empirical analysis of the impact of energy poverty as well as the senior citizens’ outlook towards an imminent energy transition in two European states: Norway and Poland. Results Drawing on interviews and focus groups with Polish and Norwegian seniors, we present the differences and similarities between the two countries, and the determinants of energy ageism, as well as the concept’s overall applicability and empirical usefulness. We find that socioeconomic conditions outweigh ageism, that is, the resilience of senior citizens in dealing with energy poverty during a transition is conditioned by their material standing and welfare state robustness rather than age-based. An important factor is household heating technology, which combined with economic vulnerability can push some individuals into energy poverty while others using alternative sources of heat can navigate through energy crises unscathed. Conclusions We note the importance of mainstreaming social inclusion considerations in energy policy and of targeted digital competence building which can enhance senior citizen integration in the energy transition. Lower levels of digital competences among senior citizens certainly play a role and need to be addressed with education programs to increase senior citizens participation. In both countries, household heating is a major issue and heating sources are strong predictors of energy poverty and regulatory measures and subsidies should be designed at national, regional, and municipal level to assist vulnerable groups in this area.