City releases plan for equitable clean energy

Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability released a new plan to ensure equitable clean energy for all city residents.

The Energy Poverty Alleviation Strategy provides an action plan to address the challenges of energy insecurity and clean energy access throughout Philadelphia. The strategy prioritizes the energy needs of low income and vulnerable residents in an effort to ensure all Philadelphians, especially those most impacted by climate change, can participate in and benefit from the city’s clean energy resources.

Philadelphians face some of the highest energy costs relative to income, also known as high energy burden. Energy burdened Philadelphians struggle to access and afford energy to meet their basic household needs, from adequate heating and cooling, to maintaining safe food and medicine.

“The Energy Poverty Alleviation Strategy aligns with our plan to make Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, and greener city, with economic opportunity for all,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker in a statement. “Reducing the energy poverty in Philadelphia addresses the challenges of improving quality of life for Philadelphians and reducing the city’s carbon footprint, while spurring our clean energy economy.”

The city’s plan includes stronger utility support and assistance, as well as greater access to clean energy repairs and upgrades. While creating their strategy, the Office of Sustainability listened to feedback from six energy-burdened communities in Philadelphia and collaborated with government departments, community organizations, and stakeholders, city officials said.

“The Energy Poverty Alleviation Strategy will ensure that residents experiencing energy insecurity are included in Philadelphia’s transition to clean energy,” said Elizabeth Lankenau, Interim Director of the Office of Sustainability. “It will guide our work as we explore ways to reduce carbon pollution and achieve our vision of a city where all Philadelphians can access and afford energy that is clean, healthy, and safe.”