The triple-hit effect of disability and energy poverty: a qualitative case study of painful sickle cell disease and cold homes

This chapter examines a potential triple-hit effect of energy poverty on people with disabilities. Fifteen adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), or carers of children with SCD, were interviewed to understand how energy poverty plays out in the lives of people who suffer this condition. A vicious cycle puts people with SCD at higher risk of energy poverty because of income earning capacity with a disability, the condition resulting in higher energy needs and a thus a further risk of energy poverty. Cold homes exacerbating the condition risks further complications and disability related to SCD.