Examining Disparities in Energy Poverty and Indoor Environmental Quality Satisfaction Among Canadian Households

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between income, dwelling quality, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) perceptions. We conducted a survey of approximately 1100 Canadian residents from a variety of socioeconomic groups capturing a representative sample of Canadian society. It employs new thresholds to align the subjective perceptions of energy poverty with objective measures. Statistical analyses reveal notable differences in IEQ perceptions among income groups. While high-income respondents consistently express higher satisfaction levels across multiple IEQ domains than middle-income ones, the latter report higher satisfaction levels than those with lower incomes. Wealthier households typically have more rooms, with all income groups reporting a median of three bedrooms. Lower-income respondents tend to spend a larger proportion of their income on energy bills per capita, despite consuming less energy per capita. Around 41% of lower-income respondents report facing challenges in paying utility bills, compared to 24% and 16% in middle- and upper-income groups, respectively. We present energy poverty thresholds that are customized based on survey responses from the different income groups, informing policymakers to consider downward revisions of thresholds to address the subjective aspect of energy poverty better. The unequal IEQ and energy poverty perceptions we document across income groups highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve welfare among vulnerable households.