User:Maxwynn/Household energy insecurity

Personal behavior
Original

Concerns about energy cost may influence energy-related behaviors at the household and individual levels. People might try to reduce energy bills by reducing usage of energy systems by keeping their homes at temperatures that might either be too hot or cold. When faced with high energy costs, households might also sacrifice basic necessities like healthy food (referred to as "heat-or-eat").

Edited

When faced with high energy costs, the concerns may influence energy-related behaviors at the household and individual levels. '''For example, Households are forced to make a decision on what basic needs to sacrifice. A common decision low income households have to make is linked to food insecurity, known as the "heat or eat" dilemma, where a household sacrifices food in order to address the household energy concerns. Also, households''' might try to reduce energy bills by reducing usage of energy systems by keeping their homes at temperatures that might either be too hot or cold.

New Sections

Household Energy Insecurity in developing countries

(To be placed under Regional Analysis section but before United States

Household energy insecurity varies from region to region, there are differences between household energy insecurity for developed versus developing countries. Factors that can affect energy insecurity include income level, governance quality, trade openness, and foreign direct investment. Growing and urbanizing countries or regions, for example certain countries in Asia, are at a rapid increase in demand for energy which causes an increase in energy insecurity. With an increase in energy demand, solutions lie in developing new technology or relying on energy imports from other countries. While the goal is to be self-sufficient, the effort to bring in modern technology to provide sustainable energy will be outpaced by the demand as well as population growth.

While energy insecurity still focuses on energy access, it looks different in every country. In developed countries like the United States, we are examining households that miss bill payments, experience shut offs or live in housing with poor insulation. In developing countries such as some sub saharan African countries, we are focusing on any access or availability of reliable and clean energy. In developing countries, the availability and governance of energy is the main key compared to the issues such as low income and affordance in developed countries.

Sociodemographics

(To be placed as a subsection of the United States section, similar to the local efforts section)

Studies done in the US, have proven that certain social characteristics and demographics are more likely to experience household energy insecurity than others. Some criteria to be considered energy insecure in the US include receiving a utility disconnection notice, experiencing a shutoff, or not being able to make a utility payment. Families most likely to be energy insecure are families 200% under the poverty line, have young children, or have no college degree. In terms of race, black and hispanic families are most likely to experience energy insecurity.

Health Effects

(To be placed as a subsection of contributing factors)

Energy is considered a basic necessity as it allows for access to heating, lighting and cooking. Without this basic necessity it can lead to major health implications as studies have shown links with respiratory issues, mental health, and stress. There is an increased chance of environmental exposures to dampness, mold, and thermal discomfort. Women, children, and infants are most vulnerable to health effects caused by energy insecurity.

One alternative to heating and cooking as a result of energy insecurity, common in developing countries, is burning solid fuels. Death can be caused by smoky environments from inefficient stoves or from combustion of kerosene or coal for cooking. Around 600,000 lives are lost each year in Africa due to exposure of biomass smoke.