How High Are Household Energy Burdens? Report Findings and Policy Solutions

New research from ACEEE shows that low-income households, as well as Black, Hispanic, and Native American households, pay a disproportionally larger share of their income on energy bills as compared to the average household. As the pandemic and recession continue to strain family budgets and exacerbate existing inequalities, policies to ensure that families are able to access affordable energy remain vital. ACEEE’s new report, How High Are Household Energy Burdens: An Assessment of National and Metropolitan Energy Burdens Across the United States (to be released Thursday Sept 10 at 11am) examines how energy burdens—the percent of income spent on energy bills—differ nationally, regionally, and in 25 metro areas. The report explores burdens by demographic groups and building types, such as low-income, Black, Hispanic, Native American, older adults, renters, older buildings, and affordable multifamily households. Many families with high energy burdens live in older, inefficient housing with older appliances and heating and cooling systems that waste energy. The report explores strategies to improve and expand low-income energy efficiency and weatherization programs as a way to address high energy burdens. The webinar included an overview of the report findings and recommendations, as well as additional examples of how states and cities are enacting policies and programs to lower high energy burdens and achieve more affordable energy in their communities.