Energy poverty and the elderly-care: Exploring energy poverty in the elderly-care through case studies with social welfare organizations in Taiwan

Abstract: The topic of energy poverty has recently gained prominence amongst researchers and academia in Taiwan within the context of rising energy prices and low emission energy transitions. Social welfare organizations (SWOs) that provide 24-hour residence and care for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, highly depend on various energy services and are likely to be significantly affected due to rising energy prices, adding to their existing financial pressure. Thus, it is essential to investigate energy poverty within SWOs both in the local and global context. Addressing this, the study aims to explore energy poverty within SWOs using a case study analysis of three SWOs working with elderly care. The SWOs are framed within the Green Energy Charity (GEC) project, developed by Sunnyfounder, a social enterprise working towards enhancing the green energy access of SWOs. Using the capabilities framework and three forms of justice under energy poverty, this thesis seeks to analyze the level of energy poverty of the SWOs by understanding their differential energy needs and vulnerability as well as the role of the GEC in addressing the same. Data collection consisted of interviews and observations. The results of the study conclude that it is inappropriate to define the studied cases as energy-poor based on their current status. However, the cases have a high risk of becoming energy-poor. This risk can be attributed to the sensitivity and disabilities of the elderly, and the different adapting capacities seen within the SWOs. Finally, the study provides recommendations targeting research as well as the company in study, including long term tracking of beneficiaries, investigating the gap between project potential and outcomes of the GEC, and examining the energy use within other highly vulnerable and least-recognized SWOs.