Sociodemographic disparities in energy insecurity among low-income households before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The inability of a household to meet basic energy needs is associated with adverse health consequences. This study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of energy insecurity, and may have widened pre-existing racial disparities in the likelihood of being energy insecure. Energy insecurity is a growing public health threat among low-income populations in the United States. Prior research has shown that energy insecurity is associated with adverse health effects and can lead people to engage in risky coping strategies. Here we evaluate rates of energy insecurity, which factors contribute to it, and how the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem. We show that energy insecurity is highly prevalent among households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. We further show that Black and Hispanic households are more likely to experience energy insecurity and face utility disconnection, as are households with young children, individuals that require electronic medical devices and those in dwellings with inefficient or poor conditions. These conditions exist under normal circumstances, and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have exacerbated the overall incidence of energy insecurity.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated energy insecurity among low-income populations in the United States, particularly increasing the likelihood of energy insecurity among Black and Hispanic households, those with young children, individuals requiring electronic medical devices, or living in inefficient or poor conditions. These conditions exist under normal circumstances, but the pandemic seems to have worsened the overall incidence of energy insecurity.