On the Links between Sustainable Wellbeing and Electric Energy Consumption

Abstract

Access to electric energy is one of the drivers of wellbeing and universal access to energy has recently been identified as an important goal in the international community. A data-driven analysis of electric energy consumption and subjective wellbeing indicators is introduced to promote a broad conversation about relationships between energy poverty, global equity, subjective wellbeing measurements and good quality of life. The proposed approach directly focuses on the overall goal of attaining good and long lasting lives, the implications for future generations, the importance of ecosystems in enabling sustainable wellbeing and the needed capabilities in communities to flourish. Eventually, the proposed pathway should lead to a capabilities approach assessment for appropriate technologies. The results point out that although there is an important relationship between electric energy consumption and human wellbeing, a deeper look at electric energy access, subjective wellbeing indicators, local capabilities, and participatory decision making processes is needed to better prepare and implement long-term energy plans at local and global levels.