Energy poverty in Canada: Prevalence, social and spatial distribution, and implications for research and policy

Abstract Canada is one of the largest energy producers in the world and one of the largest consumers of energy. A cold climate, dispersed population, affordable energy prices, and high standards of living contribute to Canada’s high energy intensity. Yet, some 6% to 19% of Canadian households are experiencing energy poverty. Relying on data from the 2017 Survey of Household Spending, this study explores the social and spatial distribution of energy poverty across Canada. Energy poverty is measured at the household level, using expenditure-based indicators computed before and after housing costs. Logistic regression models are applied to examine the association between energy poverty and factors related to household composition, dwelling characteristics, urban/rural location, and province of residence. The odds of energy poverty are significantly higher for one-person, lone-parent, and older households, and for households with someone living with a long-term illness or disability. Energy poverty is significantly higher for households living in duplex or row housing, in single-detached and in mobile houses, in dwellings built prior to 1960, and in dwellings requiring major repairs. In comparison to homeowners with a mortgage, energy poverty is significantly higher for renters in urban centers. There are geographical patterns, with the odds of energy poverty almost twice as high for households in Atlantic provinces and in rural areas. These findings demonstrate that energy poverty is patterned across a social gradient in Canada and that it varies across space. The implications of the results for research and policy are discussed.