Energy Burden
Definition
The percentage of household income spent on home energy costs (electricity, gas, fuel oil). Energy burden averages 3-4% for median-income households but can exceed 20-30% for very low-income households—spending one dollar of every four or five on utilities. High energy burden forces families to choose between heating/cooling and other necessities, contributes to utility disconnections, and affects health (inability to cool homes during heat waves or heat homes during cold).
Louisville Context
Energy burden in Louisville averages 3-4% overall but exceeds 15-20% for low-income households, particularly in West Louisville neighborhoods with older, inefficient housing. Black households face higher energy burden than white households at same income levels due to housing quality disparities. Winter heating costs and summer cooling costs create seasonal crises for households unable to afford temperature control. LG&E disconnects thousands annually for non-payment.
Why It Matters
High energy burden is health crisis and economic injustice. Families can’t afford to heat homes in winter or cool homes during dangerous summer heat, causing preventable illness and deaths. Children living in homes without reliable heat/cooling miss school and suffer health impacts. Energy burden perpetuates poverty by consuming income that could go toward food, medicine, or saving.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will expand Louisville’s energy efficiency and weatherization programs (funded within $1.025 billion budget) providing home improvements reducing energy costs 30-40% for low-income households. He’ll advocate for LG&E to expand assistance programs and implement percentage-of-income payment plans. His Community Wellness Centers will help residents access utility assistance and weatherization programs.