New energy demonstration cities and the mitigation of energy poverty in China

China’s New Energy Demonstration Cities (NEDCs) sought to develop affordable, clean energy. This study therefore examines the NEDCs’ effectiveness in mitigating energy poverty (EP). We focus on electricity consumption, economic development, and renewable uptake – three components of International Energy Agency’s (IEA) measure of EP. Using panel data from 281 Chinese cities (2011-2021) and propensity score matching with difference-in-differences, the analysis found no statistically or economically significant overall effect of NEDCs on reducing EP. This is also consistent across the three IEA sub-components. The findings suggest this ineffectiveness may stem from weak enforcement, low public participation, and inequalities in income and education.