Energy security in the residential sector: An examination of rapid responses to home heating emergencies

Energy security entails ensuring that individuals have access to uninterrupted supplies of affordable energy. A heating emergency is said to occur when the energy security of an individual, family, or community is jeopardized because the energy needed for space heating becomes unattainable due to rising energy costs, supply shortages (caused by physical shortages or infrastructure failure), or both. With rapidly rising fuel costs or shortages of energy supply comes heavily strained fuel budgets making it a challenge for individuals to maintain a safe level of heating in their residence; presently, unpredictable energy costs and the potential for shortages are expected to increase the threat of heating emergencies. Using the four `R's framework of energy security, developed to examine and improve the state of a jurisdiction's energy security, the study considers factors influencing the likelihood of heating emergencies in a jurisdiction. As a case study, Nova Scotia's energy mix is reviewed in terms of residential heating. The authors identify strategies for reduction, replacement or restriction of energy use to address both immediate and future heating emergencies.