Energy poverty and housing vulnerability have widespread impacts on communities yet remain underexplored issues in Canada. This literature from Efficiency Canada and Create Climate Equity examines the intersecting nature of these topics and underscores the need for integrated responses. It traces the development of energy poverty, introduces the concept of energy vulnerability, and ties it to the framework of energy justice. The review also highlights Canadian-specific studies, measurement methods, and policy efforts, stressing the importance of tailored strategies. Key sections examine how energy poverty and poor housing conditions exacerbate health risks, emphasizing the need for justice-driven solutions that reflect the lived experiences of those affected.
Conceptual Shift Towards Vulnerability
Recent studies have begun framing energy poverty in the context of energy vulnerability, which emphasises potential future risks associated with households’ exposure to energy poverty, as well as their sensitivity and ability to adapt in response to energy poverty. To better design and deliver effective interventions, this conceptualisation presents an opportunity to examine energy poverty from the perspective of those who have lived experiences navigating energy poverty.
Broader Integration with Other Issues
Energy poverty research is being explored in conjunction with broader societal challenges, including just transitions, climate change mitigation, social innovation, and economic development. There is growing recognition of the uneven distribution of vulnerabilities among disadvantaged groups, highlighting the importance of more holistic, integrated solutions.
Evolving Definitions and Metrics
There are growing efforts to identify precise methods by which to define and measure energy poverty. Overall, researchers agree that definitions and metrics must include multidimensional indicators—such as income, energy expenditure, housing conditions, and health risks—that can pinpoint vulnerable groups most likely to benefit as a result of targeted interventions.
This study/research was led by Create Climate Equity (CCE) and received funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) Research and Planning Fund.
About the author: Abhilash Kantamneni is an Efficiency Canada research manager specializing in energy poverty and low-income energy efficiency. He has a Master of Science in Physics, and Computer Science from Michigan Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Anna University. Before joining Efficiency Canada, he worked with communities across the U.S. and Canada to achieve local priorities, including improved housing, increased good jobs and reduced poverty.
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