Measuring energy poverty: evidence from Mexico

Abstract

“Energy poverty constitutes one of the main issues of our times. The way in which people have access to energy can strongly affect their living standards and the world’s economy. This work is aimed at quantifying those impacts by analyzing the distribution of energy across a population from an economic point of view. The territory considered in the analysis is Mexico, a fast-growing economy characterized by strong inequalities. This thesis firstly introduces the theme of energy poverty and its definition, followed by a discussion of how energy poverty can be measured. Secondly, selected energy poverty indicators are used to examine the issue of energy poverty in Mexico by using household expenditure data obtained from the Mexican national statistical office. I conclude with the analysis of the results, along with a set of considerations relevant both in terms of economic theory and policy.”