The Multidimensionality of Energy Poverty in Brazil: An Analysis Historical

Abstract

The different dimensions that characterize energy poverty can be assessed by a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI). This study adapts and calculates MEPI for Brazil, contributing to understanding the evolution of incidence and intensity of energy poverty in the country. Using three different energy dimensions – physical access, appliances ownership, and affordability – we calculate MEPI for the 2002-2018 period. Results show that, despite a significant improvement in access to modern energy fuels and in the ownership of some primary appliances, Brazil still shows a significant prevalence of energy poverty. Problems related to affordability have not been widely solved, and nowadays this remains the main issue. There are still 11% of households living in energy poverty conditions and, in rural areas, this number reaches 16%. Considering the social and geographic heterogeneity of Brazil, we characterize energy poverty across different regions and socioeconomic groups. Results show that the isolated areas in the northern regions are the most deprived of energy services. We finally underscore the income inequality that is somehow related to situations of energy poverty. Non-energy poor households tend to have an income at least twice as high as that those households considered energy poor.

Keywords: Energy Poverty, energy services, multidimensional energy poverty index, brazil