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The empirical and qualitative measurement of access to the energy system to prioritize the inclusion of climate-impacted communities. This inclusion builds access to clean energy and participation in the public and private energy sector.
Energy-efficiency programs only served about 5% of income eligible households in 2019
Only 13% of electric and gas utility energy efficiency spending is spent on income eligible programs despite 27.5% of the population being income eligible
Participation in energy efficiency programs is growing for income-eligible households (1.7 million in 2019 compared to 362,000 in 2015)
California Department of Energy
Learn how energy equity is quantified with the State of California’s government indicators
ACEEE
Many groups have historically been underserved by energy efficiency and clean energy programs, including Black communities, Indigenous communities, people of color, low-income individuals, youth, older adults, recently arrived immigrants, those with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities.
Energy Equity Project
What will it take for every household to have an affordable energy bill, so that no one is spending more than 6% of their income on energy? Check out this tool to learn more.
NREL
Compare access and inclusion of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transportation across the United States with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) SLOPE Data Viewer.
ACEEE
This 2021 report finds that the cities and states most highly-rated for energy efficiency offer programs for low-income community members, but fail to take the critical actions necessary for equitable evaluation and reporting to facilitate equitable outcomes.
Energy Equity Project
This 2023 Prototype map from the Energy Equity Project of the University of Michigan allows you to select up to 2 datasets around energy data and demographics you want to explore. You can also click on a county to zoom in on a census tract to see the data.
Energy Trust
The African American Alliance for Homeownership (AAAH) is promoting energy efficiency, climate justice, and green energy in Portland's historically Black communities. By forming partnerships with local organizations and programs, AAAH has also brought solar energy and heat pump education to their community. Next year, the program will expand thanks to a grant from the Portland Clean Energy Fund, which is paid for through a tax on the most profitable companies in Portland every year and aims to promote energy efficiency, climate justice and green energy adoption among its clients.
Learn about the four dimensions of energy equity in this video clip featuring Zo Mpofu, Director of Energy Equity at Solar United Neighbors.
Energy bills are 3x higher in climate-impacted communities.
A movement to decentralize the energy system by centering communities.
The empirical and qualitative measurement of access to the energy system to prioritize the inclusion of climate-impacted communities.
Achieving just social and economic participation in the energy system, while remediating social, economic, and health burdens in climate-impacted communities.
A set of social, economic, and environmental principles established at the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit.
A vision of quality, safe, and affordable housing combined with social programs to address houseless experiences to ensure everyone has a home, regardless of race, income, or citizenship status.