What is Energy Justice?

Energy justice is when affordability, accessibility and participation is embedded into the energy system regardless of race, nationality, income, or geographic location

What is Energy Burden?

Energy burden is defined by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. 

What is an acceptable Energy Burden rate?

Six percent (6%) according to the American Council for and Energy Efficient Economy. This affordability percentage is based on the assumption that an affordable housing burden is less than 30% of income spent on energy, and 20% of housing costs should be allocated to energy bills. This leads to 6% of an affordable housing burden spent on energy costs, or a 6% energy burden.

According to DOE's Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool the national average energy burden for low-income households is 8.6%, which is three times higher than for non-low-income households which is estimated at 3%. 

South Carolina's average energy burden rate is 30%.

What are Frontline Communities?

Communities that are affected first and worst by environmental degradation

When was the SC Energy Justice Coalition established and why?

In 2021. The Coalition began with a single issue - extending the moratorium on utilities shut offs during the pandemic. It grew to include a multitude of other related energy and environmental injustices

Which areas of life are affected by energy injustice?

Every area of life is affected by energy injustice and energy burden. There are a battery of social, economic, and environmental consequences.

What are the benefits of becoming a SC Energy Justice Coalition member?

Check out our Membership page for those details