This paper conducts a regional micro simulation model exercise that delivers estimates of energy poverty levels across regional Queensland in a number of different dimension including: estimates of the number of households experiencing energy poverty in a region, the ability of households across regions to adapt to rising prices (price elasticity); and the number of households experiencing mortgage distress.
Key findings include: it is estimated that 3.42% of all Queensland households – approximately 63,128 households – experience energy poverty, of which the majority are located in the lowest income quintile. Energy poverty appears to be concentrated in certain hotspot areas, including Gladstone, Logan and Far North Queensland. There exist a range of contributing factors that may account for this pattern, including: High income insecurity, weather and demographic differences.
Author: Griffith University Department of Accounting Finance & Economics
