ABOUT THE ENERGY
EQUITY EXPLORER

Background

The Energy Equity Explorer is a collaboration between the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) and the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) designed to shed light on energy affordability challenges in underserved communities across the Southeast. By merging robust data with the lived experiences of community members, the Explorer provides actionable insights to address energy burdens and catalyze equitable change.

Purpose and Vision

In its latest iteration, the Energy Equity Explorer focuses on a range of critical indicators, including energy burden, cost of energy, and low-to-moderate income (LMI) metrics, while also highlighting the proportion of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, the tool captures housing characteristics—such as whether properties are owned or rented, when they were built (pre- or post-1980), and the type of housing (single-family, multifamily, or mobile homes). By bringing these factors together, SEEA and TEPRI aim to help stakeholders pinpoint localized challenges and build more equitable energy systems.

Social Vulnerability Lens

To provide essential context, the Explorer layers in the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Each of the four SVI themes is presented as a single, easy‑to‑interpret score, and six high‑impact indicators are highlighted:

• Seniors (65 +)

• Children (17 and younger)

• Housing‑Cost‑Burdened Households

• Civilians With a Disability

• Limited English Proficiency Households

• Households With No Vehicle.

These metrics are strongly linked to energy hardship and resilience. Displaying them alongside theme‑level SVI scores allows users to see, at a glance, how social factors amplify or mitigate energy inequities.

Empowering Diverse Audiences 

Local governments, nonprofits, community‑based organizations, researchers, and policymakers can all leverage the Explorer’s interactive maps and downloadable datasets to:

• Identify neighborhoods with the greatest energy affordability challenges

• Craft targeted outreach or program designs

• Strengthen grant proposals and funding applications with localized evidence

• Track progress toward equitable energy outcomes over time

Why It Matters

Energy equity is crucial for fostering resilient, thriving communities. Disparities in affordability and access can affect everything from health outcomes to economic stability. By providing detailed, localized data on factors such as energy costs, housing conditions, and broader social vulnerabilities, the Energy Equity Explorer equips communities with the information they need to drive meaningful, evidence-based solutions—ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or ZIP code, can benefit from the transition to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy.