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Energy insecurity and the urgent need for utility disconnection protections

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  • Baker, Shalanda H.
  • Carley, Sanya
  • Konisky, David M.

Abstract

Millions of Americans are unable to pay their energy bills and face the risk of being disconnected from their energy providers. This problem has grown significantly worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, with low-income households, households of color, and households with vulnerable populations particularly hard-hit by these conditions. In the early months of the pandemic, many states imposed temporary protections on utility disconnection but, as time has evolved, nearly all of these protections have lapsed. An increasing lack of protection has serious implications for vulnerable populations. Here, we present the extent of the energy insecurity problem in the United States, discuss the design and evolution of state disconnection protections, and offer policy recommendations for addressing this imminent challenge.

Suggested Citation

  • Baker, Shalanda H. & Carley, Sanya & Konisky, David M., 2021. "Energy insecurity and the urgent need for utility disconnection protections," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:159:y:2021:i:c:s0301421521005280
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112663
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2015. "Fuel poverty, affordability, and energy justice in England: Policy insights from the Warm Front Program," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 93(P1), pages 361-371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Keskar, Aditya & Galik, Christopher & Johnson, Jeremiah X., 2023. "Planning for winter peaking power systems in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    2. Indre Siksnelyte-Butkiene, 2022. "Combating Energy Poverty in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Economic Uncertainty," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, May.

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