Multidimensional energy poverty in Jordan between 2009 and 2018: Progress and possible policy interventions

Abstract

This study examined energy poverty in Jordan. A modified multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI) was used to measure the scope and change in energy poverty based on two demographic and health surveys for 2009 and 2018. The MEPI is calculated at the national, regional, urban/rural, and wealth index levels. The results show that energy poverty increased slightly between 2009 and 2018. However, results indicate that Jordanian households deal with a moderate level of energy poverty. On a different level, most of the governorates show increased energy poverty, while two remain constant and one shows a decrease. The results demonstrate that differences based on urban/rural residences are not significant, whereas different levels of wealth index show a significant change throughout the study period. The findings introduce energy poverty to policymakers, recommending that further studies be conducted in Jordan to understand the socioeconomic determinants of energy poverty, as well as the health impacts and financial burdens that affect Jordanian households.