Introduction 

This activity helps students explore the real-world trade-offs that North American households face when energy becomes difficult to access or afford. Through scenario-based decision-making, students examine how economic constraints, housing conditions, and unexpected events affect people’s energy choices. Students evaluate possible decisions, consider the impact of those decisions, and propose alternative solutions or policies that could reduce energy insecurity. 

Student Objectives

Students will be able to 

• Define energy insecurity and describe its economic, physical, and coping dimensions. 
• Analyze real-world scenarios where households must make difficult energy-related decisions.
• Evaluate trade-offs between cost, safety, reliability, and comfort when energy resources are limited. 
• Propose realistic solutions or policies that could reduce energy insecurity in communities.
• Discuss how energy systems affect daily life and economic stability.

Materials

• Student Handout

Procedure

1. Introduction and Warm Up
   • Provide each student with the Introduction section of the Student Handout (pgs. 1-2).
   • Turn student attention to the first page of the Student Handout and introduce the topic of energy insecurity. 
   • Explain that even when energy is technically available, households may still struggle to meet their energy needs. 
   • Briefly discuss the three dimensions of energy insecurity: economic, physical, and coping. 
   • Explain that students will explore these challenges through real-world scenarios. 
   • Have students complete the Reflection questions (on the second page) individually. Optionally, have them share their responses with a partner or the class.

2. Scenario Analysis 
   • Divide the students into small groups (2 or 3) or have them work individually. 
   • Assign each student or group one scenario (or allow students to choose a scenario).
     • Scenario 1: City Renters
     • Scenario 2: Rural Homeowner
     • Scenario 3: Business Owners
   • Students should
     • Read the household profile and pressure event. 
     • Evaluate and discuss the possible choices.
     • Select the option they believe is best under the circumstances.
     • Complete the Decision Analysis section of the worksheet.
     • Evaluate the household’s Energy Access (availability, affordability, reliability, safety)
     • Propose alternative solutions and policy ideas.

3. Class Discussion
   • Bring the class together to discuss scenarios.
     • Ask groups to summarize which option they chose, why they chose it, and what trade-offs the household faced. 
     • Have groups discuss their alternative, policy and community-driven solution ideas.
   • Provide students with the Final Reflection worksheet (last page of the Student Handout) to complete independently or use the questions to guide a whole-class discussion.