Generation180 is working to make clean energy more accessible for all people, regardless of income level. Yet, historically in America, housing and land-use policies have resulted in low-income and non-white communities living in polluted areas and in poorly insulated, poorly maintained buildings at significantly higher rates than white and higher-income communities. Despite these inequities, there are solutions – often led by communities themselves – and progress to address them is underway. Let’s take a look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go in regard to energy in America.

Unequal energy access in America

Energy insecurity is measured economically by the ratio of income to energy expenses. A 6 percent ratio is considered a high burden, and when it exceeds 10 percent, it is deemed severe. For the average American household this ratio is 3.1 percent, but for the average low-income household that number is upwards of 8.1%. What does this mean for families? It means choosing between healthcare, food, car repairs, and energy—fundamentally it means choosing between power and other necessities.

Low-income families can often live in buildings that have antiquated energy systems and poor weatherization, meaning that paradoxically the same amount of energy can cost more in lower-income communities than in wealthier ones. Black Americans are more likely to live in areas with these poor energy characteristics, due in part to America’s history of redlining and other practices that forced those communities into underdeveloped areas. As of the most recent data, over 30 million houses in America experience some form of energy insecurity, with nearly 25 million reducing or forgoing basic needs because of that insecurity. 

Consequences of energy insecurity 

The consequences of energy insecurity go beyond feeling cold in the winter; energy insecurity has tangible impacts on children’s and families’ health. Individuals and families that are energy insecure have an increased rate of respiratory problems, low sleep quality, food insecurity, and medical equipment failure. Energy insecurity can be life-threatening. More than one in five Americans with a household income below $30,000 report using their gas stove to heat their homes—not by choice, but because they lack access to safe, affordable heating. This is incredibly dangerous not only because of the risk of burns, especially for children, but because prolonged exposure to stove emissions can cause or worsen respiratory problems. Energy insecurity has a particularly negative impact on children. Children from energy-insecure households are more likely to be hospitalized, struggle with developmental or behavioral problems, and have an increased risk of asthma. These children are almost exclusively from low-income households and communities where energy insecurity is just one of a multitude of socio-economic factors making their path to success difficult. It is imperative that we address these energy inequities. But how?

Clean energy and addressing energy inequity 

Addressing energy insecurity in America isn’t straightforward, especially as in recent months the EPA has made cuts to many of the programs working toward that end. Still, it can be done. Let’s take a brief look at attempts to address energy insecurity in the past and then what can be done moving forward. 

Two prominent programs working on energy insecurity are the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program. The former provides heating, cooling assistance, and crisis relief for families facing power disconnection. The latter assists low- and moderate-income households to improve energy efficiency. The program adds insulation, seals drafts, and upgrades lighting, thermostats, heating and cooling equipment, and home appliances, among other things, to increase energy performance and efficiency. These programs have made an impact in communities but don’t address another facet of energy efficiency and security, which is how that energy is produced.

Clean forms of energy such as solar, geothermal, and wind provide households with sustainable and more affordable sources of power. Yet, the majority of families with rooftop solar are wealthy and white. So how do we increase access to these technologies across demographic lines? 

One way of making solar more accessible is community solar. Community solar is any collection of solar panels that produces energy for multiple families, businesses, or other buildings within an area. These types of projects allow communities that can’t purchase rooftop solar to get cleaner and cheaper energy–from the sun. We’ve seen examples of schools being used as hubs for community solar and have shown how low-income communities benefit from these projects.

Outside of community solar, an impactful way to address energy insecurity is through energy pricing systems that take income into account and provide rate accommodations for customers. These systems have worked to reduce energy insecurity, but very few states have adopted them. Underlying all of these solutions is the reality that we as a society and our government need to invest in and prioritize addressing energy insecurity. The Inflation Reduction Act began some of that work and helped provide clean, affordable energy to low-income families. However, as many of the programs from that bill have been or will be cut, it is imperative that states and local governments take action to bring energy access to their community. Organizations like the Greenlining Project have provided a blueprint for effective advocacy, helping secure over $800 billion in investment for communities of color nationwide. Similar efforts have seen success in states like New York and California, but it is crucial that these programs are adopted across the country. 

Generation180 works to expand access to clean, affordable energy, including helping to bring solar to K-12 schools that serve students in low-income areas and, in many cases, that help provide energy benefits to the broader community. But there is much more work to be done to ensure a cleaner, more affordable energy future for all.