Examination of energy poverty among households in Kasargod District of Kerala

Abstract

This paper examines the extent and intensity of energy poverty among households in the Kasargod district of Kerala. The inspiration to focus the study on Kasargod district is its socio-economic backwardness relative to Kerala as a whole. Household survey was conducted with a pre-designed questionnaire, and energy poverty was examined using multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI). Results indicate that, although almost all households are electrified, households face intermittent power outages, and hence they are forced to rely upon alternative measures like power backup facilities. Although most households have access to clean cooking, they also use biomass like firewood extensively and hence widespread practice of fuel-wood stacking is reported. Since households use traditional stoves without chimney to burn fuel-wood, the very purpose of promoting clean cooking to eliminate health hazards of burning biomass is defeated. Overall, the results indicate that effective tackling of energy poverty and resultant evils requires not only economic security but also the capacity to influence the habits and customs of the people.