Energy equity, transitions, and futures: Photovoice insights from Latinx community members in Boston

Energy equity remains a pressing issue in urban areas, particularly for marginalized communities like Boston's Latinx population. This study examines energy equity and futures through photovoice, a participatory method where participants document their lived experiences using photography. In collaboration with GreenRoots, a grassroots organization dedicated to environmental justice in Chelsea and East Boston, participants identified daily inequities, expressing how these challenges shape community priorities for energy futures. We found distributional inequalities with demonstratable spatial manifestations, highlighting how local energy infrastructure contributes to environmental burdens and fails to meet participants' needs. Unequal access to renewables, disparate light distribution, and poorly-maintained infrastructure were key concerns where stark contrasts emerged between these neighborhoods, gentrified areas, and Downtown Boston. We found that fears about safety, unreliable energy infrastructure, and risks like fires shaped participants' visions for the future. Participants expressed frustrations over how they felt their voices did not matter concerning siting energy infrastructure or issues that impact renters. Notably, participants avoided photographing East Boston's substation, conveying a strong message of opposition to its presence in their neighborhood. Participants identified six themes for a more equitable energy future: 1) green spaces, 2) better lighting, 3) parity with places enjoying energy-related benefits, 4) reliable energy provision, 5) fair pricing through energy efficiency and renewables, and 6) prioritizing community input. By reporting the energy-related experiences of Latinx participants of our study in Greater Boston, these findings underscore how photovoice can provide insights and concrete recommendations to contribute to ongoing efforts to build energy equity. • This study examined energy equity and futures through photovoice. • Photovoice is a useful tool to formulate locally-responsive policy action. • Daily energy-related inequities shape community priorities for energy futures. • Findings contribute to ongoing efforts to build equitable energy systems.