Impact of energy poverty on household quality of life -- based on Chinese household survey panel data

Abstract

Eliminating energy poverty is a significant scheme to eradicate poverty and improve livelihood in China. Therefore, based on China Family Panel Studies from 2014, 2016, and 2018, we investigate the energy poverty in China and its effect mechanism on livelihood. Firstly, a comprehensive index of quality of life at the family level is constructed, considering income, expense, insurance, health, and future attitude. Secondly, we establish four variables to measure energy poverty from the accessibility and affordability of energy. Finally, we examine the relationship between energy poverty and the quality of life of the family in China. The results are statistically significant and robust. Both the accessibility and affordability indicators of energy poverty harm the quality of life. Our research provides a meaningful insight for policymakers to deal with energy poverty in China.