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Energy Equity

Energy Equity

Energy equity is 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 equity is imperative to energy justice work as it recognizes that the harms of climate change are the most severe for people of color – where climate-impacted communities encounter increased levels of pollution, less access to energy-efficient housing, transportation, and overall underinvestment in clean energy infrastructure. Achieving energy equity requires new and innovative systems, technology, procedures and policies that create a just distribution of benefits in the energy system.

Learn More about Solar Equity

Energy Equity Indicators

Learn how energy equity is quantified with the State of California’s government indicators.

Envision an equitable renewable energy future with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

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.

Plan Your Energy Future

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.

How Cities and States can Improve Equity Evaluation & Reporting in Energy Efficiency Programs

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 critical actions necessary for equitable evaluation and reporting to facilitate equitable outcomes.