Energy Burden and the Need for Integrated Low-Income Housing and Energy Policy

TitleEnergy Burden and the Need for Integrated Low-Income Housing and Energy Policy
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsHernández, Diana, and Stephen Bird
JournalPoverty & Public Policy
Volume2
Issue4
Pagination5-25
ISSN1944-2858
AbstractUsing detailed sociological and public health qualitative interview data, we demonstrate that energy poverty is more pervasive, and results in a greater energy burden for low-income tenants, than many policymakers would assume. This is due in part to a lack of funding, policy non-coordination, and a lack of understanding of the social and economic benefits of energy conservation, energy education, and flexible utility billing policies. Examining LIHEAP, weatherization, utility, and housing assistance policies, we suggest that a coordinated, regional approach to home energy and housing policy that integrates programs in each area will provide a more coherent policy solution.
URLhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2202/1944-2858.1095
DOI10.2202/1944-2858.1095