Dr. Farah Mneimneh - Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Alvernia University

Energy development can create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen regional infrastructure. However, these benefits may not be fully realized when households continue to experience unaffordable utility costs, inadequate heating and cooling, energy-related health concerns, and other forms of energy hardship.

This presentation introduces a validated multidimensional framework for measuring household energy insecurity across six dimensions: affordability, access, thermal comfort, socioeconomic needs, health needs, and in-home energy practices. It considers how this framework could support inclusive economic-development planning in Northeastern Pennsylvania by helping communities identify vulnerable households, target interventions, and evaluate whether energy-sector growth improves household well-being, workforce stability, and regional resilience.