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On average, households nationally pay about 4.1% of their income on energy (gas and electricity) bills. As of 2019, Gainesville’s average energy burden is 4.5% in 2019, .4% higher than the national average.
However, the energy burden is not distributed evenly across neighborhoods. When energy burden is mapped across the city, data shows that it disproportionately impacts residents in the Northern and Central portions of the city.
Charlotte is currently the 12th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Charlotte's average energy burden is 3.9% as of 2019, 1.08 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the northern inner portions of the city.
Seattle is currently the 23rd most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Seattle’s average energy burden is 2.6% as of 2019, 0.7 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents throughout scattered portions of the city.
Community of Practice Workshops
The Community of Practice came to a natural close in 2025, though its legacy lives on through an archive of past sessions and a vibrant network of changemakers.
For years, this space brought together community-based leaders and city staff using the GEM platform — all committed to exploring how data and mapping can advance climate equity and environmental justice.
Each month, participants gathered to learn, share resources, and build relationships, fostering collaboration between the communities most harmed by climate change and local governments working towards equitable climate and energy solutions.
While the regular gatherings have ended, the connections, momentum, and shared purpose continue. We invite you to stay connected. Watch past recordings, explore our GEM Process Guide (below), and continue asking questions, sharing insights, and building together. And don’t hesitate reaching out to us.
We are never alone in this work.
Warmly,
Greenlink Analytics Community Team
Implementing Data-Informed & Community-Centered Weatherization Programs
May 18, 2023
Daniel Wagner, GEM Project Manager, Greenlink Analytics
Join Greelink's Daniel Wagner for a dive into a case study of an equitable weatherization program in Ohio. The robust program was carried out by Westown Community Development Corporation using the Greenlink Equity Map (GEM) as its main tool for implementing energy efficiency alternatives to the residents most in need. Workshop attendees learned how to use GEM to help effectively raise the concerns of frontline, fenceline, low-income, and environmental justice communities to ensure fair distribution of resources.
Using the Greenlink Equity Map: Office Hours Q&A Workshop
April 27, 2023
Daniel Wagner, GEM Project Manager, Greenlink Analytics
Sharanya Madhaven, Data Scientist, Greenlink Analytics
Community of Practice members joined GEM Project Manager, Daniel Wagner, and GEM Data Scientist Sharanya Madhaven, for a special “office hours” session where they brought their GEM questions. This special session allowed members to get one-on-one help so they can get the most out of their GEM experience and use the tool to its full potential.
How Community Engagement & Data Can Help Drive Legislation
March 23, 2023
Robert Reed, Advisor, Southface Institute
Stephanie Varughese, Junior Analyst, Greenlink Analytics
Kenneth Sercy, Energy Analytics, Greenlink Analytics
Join the #Southface Institute's Robert Reed along with #Greenlink's Stephanie Varughese & Kenneth Sercy as they present an interactive workshop on how to engage local communities and use data to drive legislative change.