A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Energy Insecurity in the United States

An energy-just transition requires research and targeted solutions for energy insecurity. However, national data sets undergirding this work lack the granularity to document energy poverty and physical and behavioral energy insecurity. We present here an index to uncover physical energy insecurity in U.S. regions. Using county tax appraisal district data in Dallas County (TX), the index found 46,422 structures (8% of the total stock) with physical energy deficiencies. We used the index to identify energy-insecure neighborhoods requiring further qualitative research. We then conducted a community-based, qualitative assessment in a Dallas County unincorporated community to illuminate the complexities and heterogeneity of physical, economic, and behavioral insecurities faced by low-income residents at the household level. Our study provides three takeaways for practicing planners. First, we provide a method planners can use to identify energy-insecure communities in need of housing and energy upgrading and determine the content of these interventions. Second, our study of a peri-urban unincorporated community demonstrates the inadequacy of national data and the need for mixed-methods assessments of energy insecurity to inform targeted planning interventions in vulnerable communities. Third, we suggest participatory home energy upgrading to comprehensively address the needs of all vulnerable families and overcome difficulties in obtaining funding sources.