Advancing the state of energy equity metrics

Abstract

Multiple stakeholders—ranging from regulators and developers to customer and community advocates—have roles to play in the transition to an equitable energy system. Metrics are an emerging area of importance for the operationalization of energy equity as they may guide investment and policy decisions that shape the energy system along this transition. This paper aims to advance energy equity metrics for use in regulation, planning, and operations of the electricity system within the United States. Metrics were surveyed from the literature and distilled to a set that identifies which stakeholders may be associated with which metrics. Established tenets of energy justice—distributive, procedural, recognition, restorative—were also identified for each metric, providing a link between energy equity in study and in practice. This means of organization is intended to enable discussion and collaboration among stakeholders, as the objectives embodied in energy equity metrics are often beyond the control of individual stakeholders. Further stakeholder discussion is necessary to determine which metrics are practicable, who will use them, and how they will be used to support energy equity.