Understanding regional energy poverty in Japan: A direct measurement approach

Abstract

This study examines the regional characteristics of energy or fuel poverty in Japan through a new approach, i.e., evaluating energy poverty via the direct measurement of energy service usage. This measure is a kind of relative poverty measure in calorific value, with multiple thresholds reflecting the diverse energy needs of households. The analysis sheds light on several unexplored issues in previous literature. Most notably, the result emphasizes the role of kerosene (heating oil) in securing warmth in winter, especially in the northern regions, and highlights an "energy poverty premium" in Japan on the unit cost of energy (per amount of heat). This study also suggests that the ongoing energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables should be promoted carefully with due consideration to the detrimental impact on the energy poor.

Prevalence of Energy Poverty in Japan: A Comprehensive Analysis of Energy Poverty Vulnerabilities

“…Later, Okushima [12] presented a new approach for measuring EP based on the underconsumption of domestic energy services, which can address the above 'hidden EP' phenomenon [27][28][29][30]; it is a type of relative poverty measure that uses calorific values (e.g. joule).…”

“…joule). Okushima [12] examined the regional EP in Japan during 2014-2015, reporting higher EP rates in the northern and southern regions, and the important role of kerosene in ensuring adequate energy services, specifically in northern Japan. This study also defined a new type of 'poverty premium' in Japan: The 'energy poverty premium' (EPP), which means that the unit cost of energy for domestic energy services is higher for the energy-poor than the affluent population.…”

“…Unlike in the EU, EP studies in Asia have been limited in terms of both quality and quantity. However, recent exploratory studies, such as in Japan [10][11][12][13], China [14,15], Hong Kong [16] and India [17,18], have increasingly examined this issue. Japan, the setting of this study, is one of the most developed countries in the world, continuously progressing on technological and national economic fronts.…”

“…increasing especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the Fukushima nuclear accident [10,11]. A considerable number of people depend on kerosene for fulfilling their energy needs for winter heating; generating concerns regarding a possible adverse impact on the low-carbon transition policy [12,13]. Moreover, Japan faces new challenges with regard to the existing health gaps between regions and socio-economic groups, which has expanded in the last 25 years [19][20][21][22].…”

“…Additionally, as indicated by Chapman and Okushima [13], the study notes that households in EP are likely to be excluded from the ongoing low-carbon transition in Japan due to little or no access to solar-power technology. Similarly, people living in off-gas grid areas are considered disadvantageous in terms of energy affordability, since natural gas is less expensive and is a lower-carbon energy source than LPG in Japan, whose disadvantages will be exacerbated by future deep carbon mitigation policies [12]. This study investigates the role of regional differences in accessibility to low(er)-carbon energy in determining the regional and seasonal EP prevalence in Japan, discussing the potential social exclusions related to EP and the necessary policy for an inclusive low-carbon energy transition.…”