Powering equity: addressing energy insecurity in New York through data, modelling and engagement

Energy insecurity, or the inability to meet energy needs, affects one in three US households, with substantial disparities across racial, gender and economic dimensions. Climate change and rising energy prices are widening this gap.

Most existing research has focused on simple characterizations of energy insecurity, which limits its usefulness for policy decisions. This project aims to build a comprehensive decision-support toolkit to help planners and policymakers address energy insecurity across New York State. Using data exploration, spatial analysis and energy modelling, we aim to map energy needs, identify energy-insecure communities and model policy measures to reduce the energy equity gap.

The work unfolds in two stages, piloting first in the highly energy-insecure Genesee-Finger Lakes region, followed by other regions across New York. The pilot stage is designed in collaboration with the community-based organization, the Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region. The project will engage community members, community service providers and government agencies throughout its duration, beginning with problem-identification focus groups in both urban and rural communities. Additional engagement will include a data validation workshop, a scenario development workshop and several community outreach events.

The first stage of the project is expected to run until the end of June 2027, with a second stage expected from July 2027 to April 2028.