Kentucky and many other states are facing a growing number of energy consumers with financial challenges, an issue that has become more urgent with the economic hardships created by COVID-19. While Kentucky has relatively low energy prices, it does have areas with high energy burdens that can threaten a household’s ability to pay for energy, and force tough choices between paying energy bills and buying food, medicine, or other essentials.
One perspective on energy affordability is that of a household's energy burden, a term used to explain the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. In Kentucky, the average energy burden is 3 percent. However in some regions, that number exceeds 10 percent.
Energy affordability is a complex issue involving many factors and consideration across society.