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Using Community-Based Social Marketing to Improve Energy Equity Programs

, , Lesly Jerome, Paul Monaghan, Lee Hayes Byron, , , , , , and


Release Date: 7/19/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-wc407-2022

Administration

Abstract

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is part of a series that will help Extension agents, nonprofits, agency personnel and all types of community development practitioners to better understand the issue of high utility bills among low-income residents, the “energy equity gap” and what they can do to help. This document provides a description of how the CWC used Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) research to increase the impact of their program through a form of “action research” to guide practical changes. Their experience can provide useful lessons for Extension agents and all types of community development practitioners who are seeking to improve the impacts of their programs.

About this Publication

This publication is AEC746, one of a series of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2022. Revised June 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Schmink, M., Ott, E., Monaghan, P., Byron, L. H., Humrich, A., Kipp, J., Porter, W., Williams, M., Davis, K., & Hogan, F. (2022). Using Community-Based Social Marketing to Improve Energy Equity Programs. EDIS, 2022(1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-wc407-2022

Authors

Marianne Schmink
Marianne Schmink

professor emerita, UF Latin American studies program

Emily Ott
Emily Ott

former research coordinator; Department of Agricultural Education and Communication

Lesly Jerome
Lesly Jerome
staff
University of Florida

Energy Programs Manager, Program for Research Efficient Communities, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Paul Monaghan
Paul Monaghan
Specialist
University of Florida

associate professor, Extension education, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, Gainesville, FL

Lee Hayes Byron
Lee Hayes Byron
County agent
University of Florida

county Extension director and program Extension agent II, M.S., community resource development & sustainability, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

Alane Humrich
Alane Humrich

program director, Community Weatherization Coalition

Jennison Kipp
Jennison Kipp

former state specialized Extension agent II, M.S., sustainable communities and ecological economics, UF/IFAS Program for Resource Efficient Communities

Wendell Porter
Wendell Porter

senior lecturer emeritus, agricultural operations management, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams

former director, UF Office of Sustainability

Kimberly Davis
Kimberly Davis

Extension agent, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension

Fiona Hogan
Fiona Hogan

strategic projects manager, UF Office of Sustainability

Publication #AEC746

Peer Reviewed
Academic