What is Energy Justice?
Most people are familiar with the term “environmental justice,” a concept with a long history of social activism, policy frameworks, and academic research. But “energy justice” often evokes puzzled reactions. While energy justice intersects with environmental justice on multiple fronts it has distinct features that differentiate it.
How is it different from Environmental and Climate Justice?
In its broadest sense, energy justice concerns the equitable and just distribution of the benefits and burdens associated with energy production and consumption. It addresses both who benefits from energy services and who bears the environmental, social, and economic cost. Historically, disadvantaged communities—including low-income populations, communities of color, and Indigenous groups—have disproportionately shouldered the negative impacts of energy projects. These include exposure to pollution, health risks, displacement, and energy poverty, while they often receive fewer benefits such as affordable energy access.
These injustices remain relevant as we transition into new energy systems, continuing to manifest and extend in different forms. For example, access to renewable energy technologies and infrastructure is often lower in historically marginalized communities, while the adoption of home weatherization and energy efficiency measures tends to be higher among white, upper-middle-class households. Moreover, those with limited access to these technologies often indirectly bear the transition costs. As solar energy adoption increases, utilities experience reduced revenue from electricity bills, leading to higher fixed costs, which are then distributed among existing, non-adopting subscribers. Consequently, lower-income households, who rely entirely on the grid for their electricity, face higher electricity rates. Furthermore, energy projects, including renewable energy, are often implemented in communities with minimal engagement or consultation throughout the entire project lifecycle.
In its contemporary application, energy justice is primarily concerned with ensuring that the transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy sources is fair and inclusive. This involves addressing current disparities as well as rectifying historical injustices, since the energy transition presents a unique opportunity to enhance the social and economic conditions of historically marginalized groups.
How Energy Justice Relates to Our Work at CECE?
The multitude of energy-system-related injustices underscores the importance of a justice framework that provides both an evaluative and normative lens for assessing and addressing disparities in the energy system.
At the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE), we understand that achieving energy justice requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate inequities in energy access and long-term transitions towards a more sustainable and inclusive energy system.
We investigate various energy injustices within the communities we serve. One of the key projects we are currently focusing on is Community Solar. These projects are designed to extend the benefits of solar energy to a wider demographic, particularly low- and moderate-income households. However, planning and implementation of these projects do not often live up to their promises in terms of inclusiveness in access, and decision-making.
Some of the questions we explore include: Are community solar projects genuinely reducing energy burdens for marginalized communities? Are the benefits accorded by policy support of these projects shared equally across stakeholders? Are these projects engaging community members meaningfully in decision-making processes? Do they recognize and address the needs and expertise of local residents? What unintended social challenges might these projects create? Additionally, how can these initiatives be better integrated into broader community resilience strategies, especially as they relate to climate change and economic stability?
In summary, energy justice is about more than just providing affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
Energy justice extends beyond these concerns by aiming to leverage the energy transition as a platform to address and rectify historical social and economic injustices, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
