Measuring the level of energy and health expenditure among energy-poor and non-poor households in india: a disaggregated analysis

ABSTRACT

Energy poverty is a complex multidimensional phenomenon perceived differently in developed and developing countries. It becomes necessary to identify the energy-poor households as energy poverty affects households in many ways, with negative consequences. This study is established upon an enhanced version of the multidimensional energy poverty index. Still, it differs from the earlier frameworks, as it incorporates two critical dimensions of 10% measurement and minimum energy required for necessities. Devising a multidimensional energy poverty index, this study analyzed the pattern and magnitude of household expenditure on energy and health among energy-poor and non-poor. This study is demonstrated in India using household-level data from the National Sample Survey 68^th round. The results reveal that per capita energy and health expenditure; and the share of health expenditure in the total consumption expenditure among energy-poor households is high. Insights from this study can be a valuable input for policymakers to identify energy-poor households and frame relevant and effective policies to alleviate energy poverty.

KEYWORDS:

• Multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI)
• health expenditure
• energy expenditure
• energy poverty
• fuel poverty

Acknowledgments

The authors declare that there are no competing interests and there is no funding involved from outside sources.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ Toward a Perspective on Energy Demand and Supply in India in 2004–05’, Report of the Advisory Board on Energy, Government of India (ABE 1984)

² Fuel Poverty: From Cold Homes to Affordable Warmth. Bellhaven, London.(Boardman 1991)

³ Biomass includes firewood and chips, dung cakes, coal products

⁴ Other fuels include petroleum products, match box, candle and other fuels not mentioned above