Can regional energy transitions alleviate inequality in household energy consumption? Evidence from China

Mitigating household energy consumption inequality (HECI) is a critical challenge for achieving a just transition and promoting social development, underscoring the need for systematic assessments of how regional energy transitions affect HECI. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies for the 2012–2022 period, this study analyzes the impact of regional energy transition on HECI. Findings reveal that (1) regional energy transition significantly reduces HECI, with the optimization effect being more pronounced among urban, high-income, and older households; (2) In terms of energy type, inequalities in direct energy consumption such as living fuels and indirect energy consumption such as food and clothing have decreased. In terms of energy mix, the regional energy transition has effectively narrowed the gap between households’ traditional fossil, transitional, and clean energy resource consumption; and (3) Improved household energy affordability and energy accessibility further amplify the optimizing effect of energy transition on HECI. These findings have valuable policy implications, highlighting the need to place households at the center of the energy transition, prioritize support for vulnerable groups, enhance energy accessibility and affordability, and promote a fair and inclusive transition that ensures the equitable distribution of its benefits.