Measuring social equity in urban energy use and interventions using fine-scale data

Area of Science:

• Urban energy consumption
• Environmental justice
• Socioeconomic disparities in energy use

Background:

• Limited data exists on intraurban energy use inequality, with prior studies underestimating income-based disparities (approx. 25%).
• Racial disparities in energy use intensity (EUI) remain unquantified and undifferentiated from income effects.
• Existing energy consumption surveys and utility data lack the fine spatial resolution needed for equitable analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify intraurban energy use disparities by income and race using high-resolution data.
• To differentiate temperature-sensitive energy use intensity (EUI) to reveal hidden inequalities.
• To develop spatial analysis methods for prioritizing equitable energy investments in cities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fine spatial scale empirical data for 200,000 households across two US cities.
• Separated temperature-sensitive components of energy use intensity (EUI).
• Conducted quadrant analyses to identify spatial patterns of energy inequality.

Main Results:

• Annual EUI disparities were found to be significantly larger than previously reported, with lowest-income areas showing 27-66% higher EUI.
• A distinct racial disparity was identified: non-White, low-income areas exhibited up to 40% higher EUI than less diverse areas.
• Temperature-sensitive EUI revealed greater inequalities, with lowest-income areas using 167% more energy for heating/cooling, and high non-White populations facing 156% higher EUI.

Conclusions:

• Intraurban energy use inequality is more severe than previously understood, with significant income and racial components.
• Fine-scale data and separation of temperature-sensitive EUI are crucial for accurate disparity assessment.
• Developed spatial analysis methods can guide equitable investment in urban climate actions and energy efficiency programs.