Rooftop solar and energy storage programs can remediate energy-limiting behaviors of energy insecure households in the United States

Kerby, Jessica R.; Rojas, Diana Rucavado; Tarekegne, Bethel W.

doi:10.1038/s43247-025-02517-5

Rooftop solar and energy storage programs can remediate energy-limiting behaviors of energy insecure households in the United States

Journal Article · Mon Aug 04 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Communications Earth & Environment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02517-5· OSTI ID:3013726

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Energy insecurity, or the inability to afford energy needs, affects most low-income households in the United States and leads to risky choices and additional insecurities including food and health. Although there are government programs designed to provide relief from energy insecurity, eligibility is usually determined by household income, and those with incomes close to the threshold face uncertainty or may be left out. In many cases, these households turn to energy-limiting behaviors as a strategy to lower their electric utility bills. Here we explore the relationship between energy insecurity and energy-limiting behaviors and investigate alternative solutions such as energy storage and rooftop solar. This analysis demonstrates that solar and energy storage can offset two-thirds of the bill savings that households could attain through severe energy-limiting behavior. These systems could complement existing energy assistance programs to provide long-term bill relief, enabling occupants to live in their homes with comfort and dignity.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Electricity (OE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 3013726

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--205209

Journal Information:: Communications Earth & Environment, Journal Name: Communications Earth & Environment Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 6; ISSN 2662-4435

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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