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More than half of Orange households spend too much on energy, study says

Orlando is among fewer than a dozen local governments across Florida to commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Photo by Amy Green
Orlando is among fewer than a dozen local governments across Florida to commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Photo by Amy Green

A new study examines how low- and moderate-income Floridians are spending more of their household budget on energy.

The study is from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which oversees the state’s Office of Energy. 

It acknowledges that as Florida transitions toward cleaner energy sources, the benefits will be felt differently across socioeconomic and demographic groups. 

For instance in Orange County, more than half of households are considered “energy burdened,” with more than 6% of the household budget going toward energy costs. 

The study says a 1% increase in participation in energy efficiency programs could boost disposable income for these households by more than $5 million.  

This story was updated Wednesday at 12:06 p.m. to clarify the study is from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.