Energy equity: A rapid evidence review focused on developed economies

Abstract

Energy is a vital requirement for human life. However, procedural, distributive, and structural inequalities exist in its use, production and distribution. While equity through public health, environment, and education lenses are widely established concepts, ‘energy equity’ has not been clearly defined or conceptualised in the same way. To explore this, we conducted a rapid evidence review of articles containing definitions of energy equity and/or indicators for how energy equity may be measured in developed economy contexts. 18 relevant articles were identified.We find no homogeneous definition of energy equity. Most commonly, energy equity definitions consisted of energy poverty, energy access and energy justice conceptual components. Energy equity indicators were very heterogeneous in focus and measurement. Energy equity was particularly discussed in the context of community energy.There is conceptual overlap between energy equity and other terms such as energy poverty, access and justice. That said, energy equity has a very clear meaning when considering general usage of the word ‘equity’, here recognising differentiated needs. Energy equity could therefore have a particular use in energy research and policy making. There might be scope for energy equity as a holistic and more politically neutral term than energy justice that may be more acceptable to key stakeholders. This work also acts as an identifier of avenues for future research. Among other topics, future examination of public, advocacy group, and political actors' views on and support for various energy concepts, including energy equity and energy justice, is one potential avenue for future exploration.</p