Addressing extreme urban heat and energy vulnerability of renters in Portland, OR with resilient household energy policies

Abstract

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, contributing to more than 700 excess deaths per year. Heat is only growing more dangerous due to climate change and urban heat island effects. This paper addresses energy burden and urban heat island effects of a heatwave in Portland, Oregon in 2021. Barriers unique to non-homeowners have left Portland renters 2.5 times less likely than homeowners to have air conditioning. Renters spend 0.7% more of their incomes on energy than homeowners on average and renters in the hottest quartile of census tracts spend 1.3 times more of their incomes than homeowners in the coolest tracts. Renters are more likely to live in the hotter areas of the city. East Portland in particular bears the brunt of the heat exposure and energy burden. Policies addressing energy utility costs and upgrading renter-occupied buildings appear less frequently in recent plans, which suggests Portland may be overlooking tenant rights and access to air conditioning. Nonetheless, a few key local programs are emerging to overcome the split-incentive problem and protect renters. Policy actions with potential impact include tenant rights and access to air conditioning, directed clean energy funds, climate resilient building standards, and community resilience centers.