Energy Access and Extreme Heat Events: A case study of seniors in Ottawa, Ontario
Abstract
Energy poverty, or not having access to sufficient energy to meet one’s needs, is a serious problem in Canada and around the world. While the current literature on energy poverty largely focuses on the experiences of people utilizing energy services to stay warm during cold winter temperatures, little is known about experiences of energy poverty during summertime heat. This gap is especially urgent since current climate models suggest that cities are likely to experience extreme heat conditions more frequently in the future. This research investigates how people use energy services, such as air conditioning and fans, among other strategies to keep cool during hot summer temperatures. As seniors are considered a vulnerable population to health risks associated with extreme heat, the study focused on individuals over the age of 65. The intention of this research was to examine what constraints or enabling factors help explain variations in seniors’ use of energy services to keep cool. 27 semi-structured, qualitative interviews conducted in Ottawa, Ontario, explored how seniors cope with extreme heat during the summer and their ability to access the energy services they desire. A central conclusion is that seniors have varying perceptions of the threat of extreme heat events and its associated risks, primarily due to differences in personal health status and concern for others, privilege and socioeconomic status. Further, findings indicate that senior’s use of energy services intersected with issues of pre-existing health conditions, social isolation, and concerns about costs. This research recommends that specific strategies are created to improve communication on heat and health-related risks as well as initiatives and programs aimed at providing support to seniors during extreme heat events.