Measuring the discomfort of energy vulnerable elderly people. Recommendations for solutions

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Energy poverty remains today one of the most important problems for a truly just urban energy transition. In addition, older people living alone are one of the main target groups of this problem. In this research, 525 households have been monitored of which 155 were potentially in fuel poverty in the city of Valencia, Spain. In the latter, the presence in the dwelling, temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the year. We reviewed the literature and compared different comfort standards with the data collected. None of the 155 dwellings meet the comfort requirements on a regular basis. That is, their inhabitants are too often at risk to their health because of low or high temperatures and humidity. A survey was conducted to find the causes of the vulnerability of these families and to quantify their importance. In addition to the expected causes: low income, high energy prices and poor housing quality, we found elements related to habits, low energy literacy, the digital divide and others. Our findings can inform policy development for an inclusive urban energy transition that does not leave behind older people living alone.