by Jorge Luis Argoty Burbano*, Karen Patricia Mosquera Ibarra
ABSTRACT
Energy poverty constitutes a critical dimension of multidimensional poverty, articulating simultaneous deprivations in access to, quality of, and affordability of modern energy services. In Colombia, multidimensional indices based on the Alkire-Foster methodology reveal profound gaps between urban and rural areas, with particularly critical situations in territories such as Nariño. This article develops an analytical review of international, regional, and national literature, examining its relevance for interpreting energy poverty in Nariño, a department with approximately 64% rural population where this issue has received limited specific academic attention. A theoretical framework is presented that integrates multidimensional poverty, Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach, and just energy transition. Key indicators and methodological decisions for constructing a departmental energy poverty index are discussed. Based on this synthesis, an applied research agenda is proposed for the planning of territorially differentiated energy infrastructures.
