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A review and analysis of initiatives addressing energy poverty and vulnerability in Ontario, Canada
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 03:37 authored by Runa R Das, Mari MartiskainenMari Martiskainen, Lindsey M Bertrand, Julie L MacArthurThis paper examines initiatives that assisted energy poor and energy vulnerable households in Ontario, Canada during 2003 to 2018. Providing a conceptualization for energy poverty and vulnerability, which lack a formal legislative definition in Canadian policy, the paper discusses the history of Ontario’s energy sector and the levels of ‘energy burden’ that brought energy prices to the fore of the public debate. It then reviews 40 initiatives that have assisted energy poor or energy vulnerable households, largely within broader policy areas of energy efficiency and energy savings, housing provision, poverty reduction, healthcare, and climate change mitigation. These initiatives are categorized into three main thematic areas of 1) financial support, 2) energy efficiency and savings, and 3) consumer protection. Further analysis shows that the initiatives largely address short-term needs and focus on the symptoms of energy poverty and vulnerability, rather than on preventative measures. The paper concludes that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying causes of energy poverty, to develop, target and evaluate effective solutions.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Renewable and Sustainable Energy ReviewsISSN
1364-0321Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
165Article number
a112617Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-05-23First Open Access (FOA) Date
2023-05-26First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-05-23Usage metrics
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