The hidden bias in energy poverty
A new study from the Netherlands investigates whether the burden of energy poverty—the inability to secure adequate energy services—falls disproportionately on women and migrants. Using detailed microdata, the researchers analyze how factors like gender, migration status, and household composition intersect to shape vulnerability to high energy costs and poor housing conditions. The findings aim to reveal systemic biases in energy access, moving the discussion beyond mere income levels to the social dimensions of energy justice.
Why it might matter to you:
This research directly connects to the equity goals of progressive energy policy, a core concern for public servants who have managed procurement and usage. Understanding the demographic contours of energy vulnerability can inform more targeted and effective assistance programs, ensuring public investments address the needs of the most marginalized communities. It provides a data-driven framework for evaluating whether energy policies are truly equitable in their outcomes.
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