Introduction
Achieving equitable access to reliable and affordable energy is a foundational challenge for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities across the United States. The complexity of energy issues spans national, regional and local (state-specific) levels, involving technical, social and economic dimensions. This bibliography provides a curated list of scholarly articles, reports, books and governmental publications that address the themes of energy accessibility, affordability and reliability, with an emphasis on the United States and Wisconsin.
National Energy Accessibility, Affordability, and Reliability
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). (2024). “Energy Burden Across the United States.” This report examines energy affordability by analyzing energy costs relative to income nationwide. It discusses disparities in accessibility and includes policy recommendations.
U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “Quadrennial Energy Review: Transforming the Nation’s Electricity System.” A comprehensive review of national energy reliability and resilience, including infrastructure challenges and strategies for enhancing grid reliability.
SAFE Report “Grid in Peril.” The United States’ electric power grid continues to experience significant risks that threaten its ability to provide reliable and resilient electric power. SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States and global allies. SAFE works with its Energy Security Leadership Council—a peerless coalition of current and former Fortune 500 CEOs and retired 4-star admirals and generals—to support secure, resilient, and responsible energy solutions.
“Energy Burden and the Need for Integrated Low-Income Energy and Housing Policy.” Energy Efficiency, 9(2), 269-282. Explores the intersection of energy affordability and housing, highlighting policy gaps and proposing integrated solutions on a national scale. Hernandez, D., & Bird, S. (2016).
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2021). “U.S. Renewable Energy Technical Potentials: A GIS-Based Analysis.” Analyzes the potential for expanding access to renewable energy, with implications for reliability and affordability in underserved regions.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2022). “Annual Energy Outlook.” Presents projections of energy supply, demand, prices and reliability across the United States, including affordability trends and access to emerging technologies.
Regional Energy Issues: Midwest and Great Lakes
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Scorecard. Based on ACEEE report. Analyzes state-level energy efficiency policies in the Midwest, assessing their impact on affordability, accessibility, and reliability.
Midwest Reliability Organization (2025). “Regional Risk Assessment.” The assessment uses a variety of continent-wide and regional resources to identify the collective risks and trends challenging utilities within the region. A total of 14 risks were identified in 2025, with six rising to an extreme or high priority.
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). (2022). “Regional Resource Assessment.” Provides a technical overview of grid operations, reliability risks, and planned investments across the Midwest transmission system.
Wisconsin-Specific Energy Accessibility, Affordability and Reliability
Strategic Energy Assessment 2024-2030. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Details reliability metrics, outage data, and grid resilience planning in Wisconsin, with attention to rural and underserved communities.
Annual Report to the Legislature on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resource Programs. Annual review of program expenses, effectiveness and outcomes. Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (2020) “Wisconsin Energy Statistics.” Comprehensive source for energy consumption, generation, price, and reliability data at the state level.
Focus on Energy (2022). “Impact Evaluation Report.” Evaluates the effectiveness of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency programs in improving access and reducing cost burdens for residents and businesses.
State Report – Wisconsin APPRISE Inc. Detailed analysis of Wisconsin’s energy assistance programs like LIHEAP and WHEAP, participation rates and low-income affordability coverage.
Energy Burden Report Madison 2020 (350 Wisconsin) Analyzes the energy burden and need for increased efficiency and affordability in city-subsidized affordable housing.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. (2020). “Addressing Energy Poverty in Wisconsin Communities.” Examines the causes and consequences of energy poverty in Wisconsin, including community-based initiatives to improve access and affordability.
Wisconsin Energy Statistics 2020. Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation. Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Regional Resource Assessment: Wisconsin Focus. Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). (2023).
Wisconsin State Profile and Energy Estimates State profile. U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)
Wisconsin State Brief by the Center for the New Energy Economy. Comprehensive overview of state issues, including grid modernization, energy storage, renewables, transportation sector. Colorado State University (July 2021).
U.S. Census Bureau: “American Housing Survey.” Contains national and state-level data on household energy costs, access, and quality.
2024 Clean Energy Plan Progress Report (Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy) Reviews progress on energy generation, emissions, affordability and social impacts in Wisconsin.
2023 Stakeholder Engagement & Impact Report. Details on CUB’s advocacy, consumer education and impact on rates and affordability. Citizens Utility Board (June 4, 2024)
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) (UMOS, Rural WI): Overview of WHEAP, eligibility, services, funding and recent program developments.