Spatial and economic prioritization for distributed wind

Abstract. This study investigates how distributed wind (DW) energy could be strategically deployed in areas with elevated energy burdens by analyzing spatial, economic, and demographic factors. We use a set of metrics that incorporate residential and macroeconomic variables, including algebraic transformations of energy burden to better capture affordability across different income levels. These metrics are correlated with demand-adjusted annual energy production, which reflects DW potential across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Using mixed-effects modeling and state-level fixed-effects regressions, we identify key covariates associated with high energy burden. Our results reveal significant geographic variability both across and within states, with stronger correlations between DW potential and residential energy burden in regions where burden is closely tied to poverty rates and agricultural activities. Based on these patterns, we group states into two categories and special cases reflecting correlation strength and DW potential, highlighting potential opportunities to improve energy affordability through targeted siting of distributed wind projects.