Beyond access: Income, housing, and the persistence of energy poverty in Nepal

This paper examines the multidimensional nature of energy poverty in Nepal using original household survey data. While recent policies have focused on expanding access to electricity and modern fuels, less attention has been paid to the socio-economic and behavioural drivers of household energy vulnerability. The analysis combines descriptive statistics with inferential methods, including chi-square tests, Spearman correlations, and a binary logistic regression model, to identify the determinants of energy poverty, defined as households spending more than 10% of their income on energy. Results show that energy poverty is shaped by the interaction of economic, structural, and behavioural factors. Income emerges as the main determinant, with higher-income households significantly less likely to be energy poor, while household size increases vulnerability. Housing conditions, particularly lack of insulation and dampness, also play a significant role. Gender and biomass use are positively associated with energy vulnerability. The persistence of fuel stacking indicates that increased access does not ensure a transition to modern energy. The findings highlight the need for integrated policies addressing affordability, housing quality, and social inequalities beyond access-based approaches.