Translating energy equity from a sociological concept to an electric power engineering perspective

The implementation of energy equity is a pivotal goal of the global energy transition, driven by widespread recognition of energy inequities worldwide. Energy equity has been broadly regarded as a sociological concept rather than an engineering one. The absence of technical engineering methods necessitates the development of a justified and sound approach to making energy equity an actionable practice in the broader realms of energy, environment and sustainability. In this Perspective, we propose a generalized definition of energy equity from the engineering perspective of electric power systems. We look at policies for energy equity that have already been introduced in Europe and the USA, noting their limited effectiveness, and provide four categories of classification for current energy-equity research: quantifying energy equity, improving equity in the accessibility of electricity, improving equity in the affordability of electricity, and improving equity in the resilience of power systems. We then set out a roadmap to address ongoing research challenges in energy equity. Energy equity calls for fair access to energy for all, but this sociological concept has not been defined in ways that are relevant to electric power systems. We provide a definition, summarize efforts so far and set out a roadmap of the challenges to be addressed to achieve equity of energy accessibility, affordability and resilience.