Florida releases Energy Equity Study, shows burden falls on low-to-moderate income Floridians

ORLANDO, Fla. — Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the completion of Florida’s Energy Equity Study, including a new energy equity rating system.

According to a news release, the study gave a “detailed assessment describing the range of energy burdens facing low-to-moderate income (LMI) and vulnerable Floridians.”

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The study looked at the demographics and residents, and how their energy burdens intersect with environmental justice, energy efficiency programs, and transportation-related issues.

“As ground zero for climate change, it is imperative that Florida move toward a resilient, renewable energy-based economy - but we must also make certain the benefits of this transition are available equally across our state. For too long, too many communities have been marginalized when it comes to energy equity, resulting in environmental hazards, lack of energy-efficient housing, and underinvestment in energy infrastructure,” said Fried. “The fact that some Floridians are spending a larger share of their income on energy costs, largely based on where they live, is truly unacceptable. This study will act as a roadmap, helping us move our state forward while making sure no one is left behind.”

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The study also proposes an energy equity rating system that will allow the Florida Office of Energy, which is a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to more easily monitor trends in energy equity over time and the impacts of program efficiency.

According to a news release, energy burdens are consistently higher for renters than homeowners, and severely burdened households correspond to utility boundaries.

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View the full study below:

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