Living on the edge: Energy poverty and housing inequality in Taipei's rooftop extensions

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of energy poverty and housing inequality in Taipei's rooftop extensions, informal dwellings that have proliferated due to urban density and a lack of affordable housing. Drawing on interviews with 44 tenants and site visits, we analyze tenants' lived experiences through the multidimensional energy poverty framework and a social relational perspective. Our findings highlight three core themes: extreme temperatures caused by poor insulation, the financial burden of inflated electricity costs, and the structural landlord-tenant dynamics that limit tenants' control over energy use. While Taiwan's electricity prices are relatively low, informal rental arrangements push tenants into hidden energy poverty, where affordability metrics fail to capture restricted energy use and its consequences. The split incentive problem, compounded by weak tenant protections, discourages landlords from investing in energy-efficient upgrades while profiting from inflated electricity charges. These findings underscore how energy poverty is not merely a technical or economic issue but is shaped by social relations and structural housing inequalities. By situating Taipei's case within broader global discussions on informal housing and tenant vulnerability, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of energy poverty and its governance in urban environments.