Approximately 2 million Ontarians live in low-income households, many allocating a significant portion of their finances to powering their homes. In these situations, electricity costs can force individuals to have to decide between paying energy bills and providing for other essential food, shelter, and clothing needs. This kind of “energy poverty” can lead to significant hardship, adverse health effects, and utility disconnections. As electricity rates continue to rise faster than incomes, energy poverty issues can only be expected to deepen. The purpose of this report is to begin to bridge the socio-technical disconnect. By considering how energy poverty and the smart grid relate to each other, our aim is to provide early identification of potential problems and opportunities associated with vulnerable households and the smart grid