Energy Poverty and Criminality in the Brazilian Favelas: An Empirical Test of a Deductive Hypothesis

The chapter highlights the particular characteristics of energy poverty in Brazil. Brazil has a robust energy supply infrastructure and access to electricity is practically universal. However, energy poverty assumes elements other than access. The rise in energy prices in Brazil makes families dedicate an increasing share of their budgets to energy expenditures. Community households (favelas) in Brazilian metropolises where criminal groups operate are particularly vulnerable. Militia and drug trafficking exploit energy-related services, such as providing illegal electricity connections and selling bottles of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). As a result, the quality of electricity supply is lower and LPG prices are higher in these communities.