Commonwealth Parliamentarians have a critical role to play in addressing energy poverty and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Energy poverty is a condition in which people lack access to affordable and reliable energy services, such as electricity or clean cooking fuels. It affects millions of people around the world, and despite a common misconception, does not apply only to those living in developing countries or in low-income households. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, a global economic downturn means developed countries are increasingly facing energy poverty.
Energy poverty can have significant social, economic, and environmental impacts. For example, without access to electricity or clean cooking fuels, people may be forced to rely on unsafe and inefficient energy sources, such as kerosene lamps or wood-burning stoves, which can lead to indoor air pollution and respiratory illnesses. Lack of access to reliable and affordable energy can also limit economic and development opportunities, such as access to education, appropriate healthcare options, and job security.
Energy poverty is closely linked to climate change, as the majority of the world's energy is still generated from fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, addressing energy poverty is not only a matter of social justice and economic development but also of environmental sustainability.
To address energy poverty, it is necessary to promote access to affordable and reliable energy services, particularly for low-income households and those living in rural areas. This can be achieved through a variety of measures, including improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources, and providing financial assistance to low-income households.
When considering environmental approaches to tackle energy poverty, parliamentarians should consider the following factors:
- Energy Efficiency: Legislators should prioritize energy efficiency measures, such as improving building insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and promoting renewable energy. Energy efficiency measures can help reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs for low-income households.
- Renewable Energy: Policymakers should encourage the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide affordable and reliable energy for low-income households.
- Access to Energy: Legislators should ensure that low-income households have access to energy by providing subsidies, grants, and other financial incentives to help them afford energy bills. Policymakers should also work to increase the availability of affordable energy sources, such as community solar projects or district heating schemes.
- Community Engagement: Policymakers should engage with communities and stakeholders to ensure that energy policies and programs are designed to meet the needs of low-income households. Community-based approaches can help ensure that energy solutions are tailored to local needs and can be more effective in reducing energy poverty.
- Long-term Sustainability: Legislators should consider the long-term sustainability of energy solutions and ensure that they are not only affordable but also environmentally sustainable. Policymakers should prioritize investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures that have long-term benefits for low-income households and the environment.
Commonwealth Parliamentarians have a key role to play as legislators, scrutineers, and representatives to help drive this agenda.
Develop Policy Frameworks: Parliamentarians should ensure their governments develop policy frameworks that support the transition to sustainable energy sources and help to address energy poverty. This could include policies to promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, provide financial assistance to low-income households, or support community-based energy solutions.
Set Targets and Goals: Parliamentarians should ensure legislation, and government policy is embedded with clear targets and goals for reducing energy poverty and increasing access to sustainable energy sources.
Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Parliamentarians should monitor and evaluate the progress of energy policies and laws to ensure that they are achieving their intended goals and making a positive impact on low-income households and the environment. This could include regular committee enquiries, post-legislative scrutiny, environmental impact assessments are undertaken, hearings are conducted, impactful reports are produced and ensuring governments are held to account.
Provide Funding and Incentives: Parliamentarians should ensure energy poverty is considered at the budgetary approval stage to ensure schemes are in place to provide funding and incentives to support the development and deployment of sustainable energy solutions. This could include funding for renewable energy projects, financial assistance to low-income households, or tax incentives for energy-efficient appliances or buildings.
Engage with Stakeholders: Parliamentarians should engage with stakeholders, including low-income households, community organisations, energy providers, and environmental groups, to understand their needs and concerns and to develop policies and programs that are tailored to local needs.
Overall, by setting targets, developing policy frameworks, providing funding and incentives, engaging with stakeholders, and monitoring progress, legislators can promote environmental approaches to tackle energy poverty and support a sustainable energy transition.
