Objective:

To measure and characterize energy poverty in the indigenous population of the state of San Luis de Potosí, Mexico.

Methodology:

A questionnaire-type instrument was designed, validated, and applied in the five indigenous municipalities with the highest rates of poverty and marginalization through random statistical sampling. The data collected were captured and statistically analyzed.

Results:

The most serious aspect of indigenous energy poverty is access to non-polluting fuels since the use of firewood in indigenous households reaches 93.2%, surpassing sub-Saharan Africa. Exposure to contaminating particles occurs throughout the life cycle (83.8%), mostly affecting the female gender.

Conclusions:

The exacerbated use of firewood as fuel has as a central element the income component beyond any association with traditional knowledge. Direct subsidies to the affected indigenous population could play a decisive role in ensuring a sustained energy transition.

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