The persistence of household energy insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study analyzes household energy insecurity in the United States during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research is limited by mostly cross-sectional research designs that do not allow scholars to study the persistency of this specific type of material hardship. We fill this gap by analyzing data from an original, nationally-representative, panel survey of low-income households. We find high levels of energy insecurity during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the initial months when the economic dislocation was at its height, and that many low-income households experienced it on multiple occasions during this period. We also identify disparities: households with people of color, very low-income, children aged five years and younger, with someone who relies on an electronic medical device, and those living in deficient housing conditions were more likely to experience energy insecurity. Households with these characteristics were also more likely to suffer from energy insecurity on a persistent basis through the first year of the pandemic.

Addressing energy insecurity: Policy Considerations for enhancing energy assistance programs

“…Drehobl et al (2020) [ 42 ], based on the American Housing Survey, finds Black households along with low-income, Hispanic, and renters have disproportionately higher energy burdens than the national median household. Moreover, Konisky and colleagues (2022) [ 56 ] as well as Memmott et al (2021) [ 7 ] survey low-income U.S. households and find Black, Hispanic, and medically compromised individuals are less likely to be able to pay monthly energy bills and more likely to receive disconnection notices and be disconnected from their utility provider. State-level data in Illinois additionally finds Black and Hispanic zip codes are 4–5 times more likely to be disconnected from their utility provider for nonpayment [ 57 ].…”

“…Firstly, Higgins and Lutzenhiser (1995) [ 77 ] found households participating in other public assistance programs (e.g., SNAP) had a higher likelihood of also participating in energy assistance, suggesting previous or ongoing engagement with social services is likely an indicator of future participation. Secondly, contrary to the assumption that households who previously received assistance would no longer require it in the future, Konisky et al (2022) [ 56 ] discovered energy insecurity remains a persistent issue. This suggests households will continue to need support to meet their energy consumption needs and cover associated expenses; therefore, previous participation likely predicts future participation.…”

Energy Inequality Indicators: A Comprehensive Review for Exploring Ways to Reduce Inequality

“…Energy inequality has become a significant research topic due to its social, economic, and environmental implications. Researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including social sciences, economics, public policy, and even engineering, are now exploring different aspects of energy inequality, such as the factors that contribute to energy inequality, the economic and social impacts of energy inequality [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], the impact on health [13,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23], the impact on vulnerable members of the society [24][25][26][27][28][29], the impact on environmental quality [30][31][32][33][34][35][36], and the policies and strategies that can help to promote energy access and equity. Recent advancements in data collection and analysis have also enabled researchers to better understand the magnitude and distribution of energy inequality across different regions and populations.…”

“…The research findings further support the notion that low-income households face heightened levels of energy insecurity. Additionally, the research conducted by Konisky, D., Carley, S., Graff, M., and Memmott, T. (2022) highlights significant socio-demographic disparities, such as race, income, household composition, reliance on electronic medical devices, and the physical conditions of dwellings [25].…”

“…This situation severely limits their ability to escape the cycle of poverty and effectively cope with environmental challenges [29]. The research by Konisky, D., Carley, S., Graff, M., and Memmott, T. (2022) indicates that households with people of color, very low income, children aged five years and younger, someone relying on an electronic medical device, and those living in inadequate housing conditions are more likely to experience energy insecurity [25]. Moreover, the study by Ssennono, V., Ntayi, J., Buyinza, F., Wasswa, F., Aarakit, S., and Mukiza, C. (2021) highlights that energy poverty is more prevalent among women, individuals in the lowest wealth quintile, and those employed in agriculture [28].…”