Energy poverty occurs not only in low-income neighbourhoods but also in any neighbourhood. It’s a growing issue that affects us all; here’s how.
What is Energy Poverty?
At its core, energy poverty is the inability to afford basic energy needs—whether that’s keeping the heat on during cold months or paying for electricity. But it’s not always about the obvious signs.
While many associate it with low-income households, energy poverty can impact anyone, regardless of their financial status or the size of their home. It’s not just about not having enough money; it’s also about the efficiency of how energy is used and the rising costs of energy.
The Hidden Problem in Executive Homes
You may think of an executive home as energy-efficient, but think again. Larger homes often have more square footage to heat and cool, which can lead to a higher Nova Scotia Power bill.
Older homes, even those in the higher price range, might be poorly insulated or outdated in terms of energy systems. As energy costs rise, even those living in these homes may struggle to manage their utility bills without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle.
The larger the home, the more inefficient the energy use tends to be, especially if owners haven’t invested in sustainable solutions like solar power or advanced insulation.
Businesses: A Growing Concern
The same issue is spreading into the business world. Companies in Nova Scotia, big or small, are feeling the pressure of rising power bills. Energy inefficiency can be costly for businesses, especially when the building’s energy needs are not optimized. Businesses often overlook the fact that inefficient energy usage not only increases operational costs but can affect the bottom line. A business in an older building or with outdated HVAC systems is facing the same energy challenges as a household with poor insulation.
Businesses that fail to modernize may also lose their competitive edge. Those that do not invest in energy-saving technologies will face higher operational costs.
The Ripple Effects
Energy poverty doesn’t only hurt those directly impacted. When individuals and businesses struggle to pay their bills, they have less money to spend in other areas of the economy. This can lead to a ripple effect—decreasing consumer spending, affecting local businesses, and slowing overall economic growth. The impact is felt across the entire province.
In addition, the environmental cost is significant. Wasting energy not only affects your wallet but also contributes to climate change. The more energy we consume unnecessarily, the more emissions we produce.
A Call For Action
No matter your home or business size, energy poverty can affect you. It’s time to stop thinking of it as an issue for “other people” and start seeing it as something that touches us all.
The good news is that solutions are available. Improving energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy, and considering government programs or incentives can ease the burden of energy costs.
There are plenty of ways to reduce consumption and costs—whether it’s upgrading insulation, installing solar panels or switching to energy-efficient appliances.
We can solve energy poverty if we all start thinking about energy use differently. A great start is by investing in solar energy, like Community Solar!
Here are helpful resources to save $ and reduce energy consumption:
Receive Your Custom Solar Proposal
Just fill out the form and we’ll get back to you with a custom solar proposal for your home or business within two business days.
