In the scorching heat of Arizona, where air conditioning is not just a luxury but a necessity, a groundbreaking study has shed light on how various climate interventions can significantly reduce energy burden and emissions, all while promoting energy equity. The research, led by Andrew Jones from Carnegie Mellon University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering department, offers a novel approach to tackling the challenges posed by rising temperatures and energy insecurity.
The study, published in the journal ‘Environmental Research: Energy’ (translated to English as ‘Энергетические исследования: Энергия’), focused on the Salt River Project service area in Arizona. It investigated the impacts of four key interventions: air-conditioning (AC) adoption, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems with batteries, weatherization, and increased tree coverage. By analyzing daily smart meter data from 2015 to 2018, weather data, and housing and household survey data, Jones and his team developed a multi-model analysis to simulate changes in household energy use.
The findings were striking. Without any intervention, the energy burden for an average household ranged from 2% annually to a staggering 10.7% in the summer. “Considering only annual energy burden is inadequate to represent seasonal variation,” Jones emphasized. This seasonal variation underscores the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate the peak energy demands during the hottest months.
The study revealed that the most significant savings—ranging from $0 to $247, with an average of approximately $90—were achieved when all energy-inefficient households adopted a rooftop PV system with a battery or were weatherized and adopted an efficient AC. These scenarios also demonstrated the most substantial reductions in CO2 emissions, with savings of 1–3 metric tons per household and a reduction in energy burden by 3–4 percentage points.
One of the most compelling aspects of the research is its integrated approach, combining climate interventions, CO2 mitigation, and energy insecurity reductions. “Achieving household emission reduction and energy equity goals necessitated combining interventions,” Jones noted. This holistic strategy could pave the way for more effective and equitable energy policies.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, utilities and cities can collaborate to address rising temperatures, improve energy equity, and reduce residential emissions. The integrated model developed by Jones and his team is generalizable to any utility or climate zone, offering a powerful tool for policymakers and energy providers.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, this research provides a roadmap for creating more resilient and equitable energy systems. By leveraging the insights from this study, the energy sector can take significant strides towards a more sustainable and just future.