Energy poverty is a historical problem affecting millions of Portuguese in winter and summer. Recently, a national strategy was adopted to combat this problem, guiding the mitigation policy to be developed until 2050. This study develops a detailed critical analysis of this document, supported by scientific literature. It focuses on its different components: diagnosis, measures and lines of action, objectives and targets, financing, impact monitoring, and governance and stakeholder involvement.

The analysis aims to propose recommendations for future improvements and the development of the future action plan. The strategy provides a solid foundation but needs further development and detail in some aspects. The definition of the problem should be more comprehensive and inclusive and further qualify energy services and the different expressions of energy poverty. The selection of measurement indicators could be improved through the selection of new indicators and consumption thresholds, a greater intersection between indicators, and the broadening of the assessment scale. The framework of measures, while diverse,
is inadequate or lacking in relevant aspects such as tax policy, eligibility of consumer support measures, accessibility to private housing, and minimum energy services. It also lacks a clearer link to the achievement of defined targets and the involvement of multi-level stakeholders. High detail and transparency in target definition and measure impact assessment are also recommended. Greater involvement of experts and the target population in future processes is a relevant aspect to mention.

Finally, future reviews and action plans should consider risks and uncertainties and frame energy poverty within the broader framework of energy justice, which could result in a more nuanced and complete analysis, capable of guiding impactful policies to eradicate this problem effectively.