Planting seeds of social change: Practical ways to reduce energy burden

Dr. Artika Tyner

Access to affordable and reliable energy is a cornerstone of modern life. Yet, for millions of low-income households, paying for basic energy needs such as lighting, heating, cooling, and cooking, remains a daily struggle. This challenge is called: energy burden – which is the percentage of household income spent on energy bills. When this share becomes disproportionately high, households experience a high energy burden. Understanding and addressing energy burden is essential for promoting social equity and for ensuring inclusive sustainable energy transitions.
Energy burden remains high in low-income and minority communities in the United States, households generally spend approximately 3% of their income on energy, but for low-income families, this figure can exceed 10% or even 20%. Households that struggle to afford energy often live in poorly insulated homes, rely on inefficient appliances, and face limited choices in utility providers.

Why children should learn about energy burden
In the state of Minnesota, there are relatively colder winters which translate into longer heating seasons. This means energy bills are costly and even more expensive for low-income families who are likely to use less energy efficient appliances. Sensitizing children on energy burden will:
1 Build Empathy: Teach children that families have varying levels of income and their access to affordable energy is dependent on it. They will learn that some families must choose between paying for energy and other basic needs such as food. This may make children more empathetic towards others in need.
2. Encourage Problem Solving: Help children find alternative ways to conserve energy aimed at reducing costs for the household. They can then adopt energy saving measures such as turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use.
3. Strengthening Families and Intergenerational Learning: Encourage children to share what they learn with family and friends. Conversations about energy burden may prompt families to adopt energy-saving habits. Children can become change agents, as they pass on knowledge to aid in the reduction of energy associated costs with family and friends.
4 Preparing Children for Civic Participation: Provide education on affordability, efficiency and sustainability of energy. Children will develop interest in advocating for fairer energy policies and therefore grow into citizens who contribute to resilient and climate-smart communities.

How to teach about energy burden
1. Start with Everyday Examples: Showing children energy bills across a period of time helps them appreciate the concept more. For instance, show them a bill for a month where no efforts were made to reduce costs, and show them subsequent months were there was a deliberate effort aimed at conserving energy to cut costs. Ask them what they think about these bills and why one should be maintained over the other.
2. Energy Literacy Clubs: Engaging children through an energy literacy club will blend learning, creativity and community action, aimed at equipping participants with a better understanding of energy related issues. The children will gain a better insight into energy use, conversation, and sustainability.
3. Encourage Energy-Saving Habits at Home: Involving children in activities aimed at conserving energy in the home. They could be tasked with simple but meaningful responsibilities such as ensuring all lights are turned off when leaving the home. The practical impact of energy-saving should be shared with children, since it serves as a form of motivation and pride.
4. Connect Energy Use to Empathy: Discussing with children financial inequalities will have a direct bearing on a family’s ability to afford energy helps to build empathy and social awareness.

Building a culture of awareness
Empowering children to see the effectiveness of small tasks such as conserving energy or encouraging their families to use energy efficient options will contribute to a lessening of the energy burden. Children will become more responsible and empathetic, as they understand that low-income families will have to choose between paying for power over basic needs. They will see energy as a shared resource which should be managed to serve all and advance the common good. As Nelson Mandela wisely stated, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” Children can develop a bigger sense of responsibility, which starts with basic actions such as putting off lights. These small actions are catalysts for global change.
Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.