Energy well-being: conceptions and indicators in light of sustainable development

Abstract

This article addresses theoretical and empirical aspects of energy well-being. It examines citizens’ access to electric power and local governance in the context of economic decarbonization and increasing extreme climate events. It aims to discuss energy well-being concepts and their embedded values, including quality of life, welfare, equity, human health and global health, sustainable development, and the Paris Agreement and SDG7 goals. It also addresses the integrated key uses and dimensions of equitable access to electricity, leading to well-being with energy justice for the people. Methodological aspects include a narrative literature and documental review, as well as an assessment of empirical evidence gathered from insights by energy companies based on technical, environmental, social, economic, and regulatory aspects of well-being. Information gathering and analyses allowed the understanding of conceptions and application, resulting in a set of indicators to assess energy well-being that can leverage future studies and applications already available for use. These indicators contribute toward improving the quality of life of local populations, helping businesses in the sector and local governance to build public policies in order to improve energy efficiency and access. It concludes that individual and collective well-being can bring about multiple socioenvironmental and economic benefits at the local scale, particularly when energy poverty and distributive injustice are combated. Additionally, the proposition of specific indicators for energy well-being within sustainable development, public health, and global health context addresses a significant knowledge gap.