Georgia Tech Study Reveals Disproportionate Energy Burdens on Black Households

Last Thursday, a research team from Georgia Tech unveiled a comprehensive study titled "Energy Burdens of Black Households in Georgia," shedding light on the disproportionate impact of energy costs on Black families within the state. The report, spanning over 40 pages, is segmented into seven sections, delving into the issue of energy burden among Black households through various analytical lenses, both quantitative and qualitative. Utilizing data from approximately 1,800 households, the primary statistical analysis underscores the severity of the situation.
 
Energy burden, as defined in the report, refers to the portion of a household's monthly income allocated to covering energy expenses, including electricity and natural gas. Existing research indicates that the Southeastern region exhibits higher rates of energy burden compared to other parts of the United States.
 
The findings of this report unveil a troubling reality: Black households experience significantly higher energy burdens in comparison to their White counterparts. This disparity is attributed in part to enduring legacies of racism that persist in various facets of society today, including the geographical distribution of Black neighborhoods, access to resources, housing quality, energy efficiency, and more. The report delves into this complex issue in its segment titled "Historical and Current Impacts of Structural Racism on Energy Burden in Georgia."