A new UCLA-led study led by economist Alan Barreca suggests low-income households have a higher risk for having their power disconnected due to increased heatwaves and higher utility bills. For many, paying these bills might mean forfeiting food or other necessities. 

If today’s climate projections hold true, the study estimates low-income households would have a 12% greater risk than they do today of having their power disconnected.

“The benefit we’ll have in terms of avoiding financial distress and having people protect themselves vastly outweigh any small increase in energy consumption,” Barreca said. “Especially for this population, energy consumption is inelastic. It is a necessity.”

Read more about how low income households are affected by global warming at UCLA Newsroom.

Study Authors:

Alan Barreca, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

R. Jisung Park, UCLA Department of Public Policy

Paul Stanier, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Image Source: Sean Brenner