Energy insecurity is an increasingly important social and public health concern.
As costs for residential heating, cooling and other household energy needs steadily increase, they account for a higher percentage of household budgets and represent emerging disparities between households that are low-income and those who are more affluent.
In Missouri, thousands of families have suffered utility disconnections. In September 2024, Ameren Missouri disconnected over 16,000 households. In October 2024, Ameren Missouri disconnected over 17,000 households. Over 233,000 Ameren MO households were behind in their bills with an average past due amount of $199.91.
Energy insecurity leads to adverse health and social consequences, such as poor health, hospitalizations, and food insecurity. For many, this requires making a choice between purchasing food or heating their home.
When families lose utility service, they are placed at higher risk of investigation by child protective agencies.
Moving may be an option, but can result in challenges regarding changing schools, social networking, and adult work productivity.
Socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are closely linked to energy insecurity with African Americans across the economic spectrum experiencing energy insecurity at the highest rates.
For more information:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953616304658
https://energyrights.info/content/living-without-power-health-impacts-utility-shutoffs-california
