Reframing how we talk about ‘energy poverty’

Stefan Bouzarovski (), Karla G. Cedano-Villavicencio, Laurence L. Delina, Mari Martiskainen, Tony G. Reames and Neil Simcock
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Stefan Bouzarovski: University of Manchester
Karla G. Cedano-Villavicencio: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Laurence L. Delina: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mari Martiskainen: University of Sussex
Tony G. Reames: University of Michigan
Neil Simcock: Liverpool John Moores University

Nature Energy, 2025, vol. 10, issue 7, 806-810

Abstract: Abstract A critical consideration of the dominant vocabulary on home energy injustices around the world is overdue. We briefly unpack terms such as ‘energy poor’, ‘fuel poor’, ‘energy vulnerable’ and ‘hard to reach’, question their utility and argue that they may do more harm than good. While acknowledging our own positionality and past use of such terminology, we argue that future debates on the inability to secure needed energy in the home should focus on the structural challenges imposed by wider societal and political choices. We contend that changing the ways in which energy injustices in the home are framed in scientific and policy phraseologies is a key step towards bold and equitable global action, in the face of mounting socio-environmental crises.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01794-w

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