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NYC Neighborhoods Redlined in the 1930s Still Face Disproportionate Electrical outages, Study finds
NEW YORK (Archyde.com) — A new analysis reveals a stark correlation between ancient redlining practices in New york City and present-day disparities in electrical service. Neighborhoods that were systematically denied investment and resources nearly a century ago continue to experience more frequent power outages, highlighting the enduring legacy of discriminatory housing policies.
The study, examining 396 areas graded by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s, found that areas receiving a “C” grade (“definitely declining”) and “D” grade (“hazardous”) experienced significantly higher rates of electricity inaccessibility compared to those with “A” (“best”) and “B” (“still desirable”) grades.
“311-reported outage rates were moast common in C-graded areas…and D-grades areas…where outage reports were three times more common than in A-graded communities,” the analysis concluded.The HOLC, a federal agency created during the Great Depression, produced maps that assigned grades to neighborhoods based on perceived risk for mortgage lenders. Predominantly minority and immigrant communities were frequently given “C” or “D” grades, effectively cutting them off from access to credit and contributing to decades of disinvestment. This practice, known as redlining, has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including lower property values, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to education.
The analysis found that “D grade areas were concentrated in Manhattan, the South Bronx, and parts of outer Brooklyn and queens.” These same areas today are more likely to experience frequent power interruptions. Researchers used several metrics to assess electrical inaccessibility, including 311 outage calls, system-related power outages (SAIFI), and electrical energy use.
SAIFI, or System Average Interruption Frequency Index, measures the average number of interruptions each customer experiences during a year. The study found that “A-graded areas had a median of 0.33 yearly outages per customer,compared to a median of 0.69 yearly outages per customer in D-graded areas.”
Interestingly, the study found that median residential energy use per household did not differ significantly between A- and D-graded areas. “Instead, energy use appeared to pattern by borough rather than HOLC grades. Residences in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn tended to have lower energy use than Staten Island.”
The analysis also examined the relationship between present-day socioeconomic conditions and electricity inaccessibility,using the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE). ICE measures the degree of racial and economic segregation within census tracts. The study found that areas with high concentrations of disadvantage (Q1) experienced higher rates of 311 outage calls compared to areas with high concentrations of privilege (Q4).
“Rates of 311 outage-related calls differed by Q1 (most disadvantaged) versus Q4 (most privileged) ICE quartiles,” the researchers noted.
While the study reveals a clear connection between historical redlining and present-day electrical disparities, some experts caution against drawing overly simplistic conclusions. They argue that other factors, such as aging infrastructure, population density, and climate change, also play a significant role in power outages.As a notable example, a 2023 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave New York’s energy infrastructure a “C-” grade, citing the need for substantial upgrades and modernization.
The Broader Implications
the findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic inequities that persist across generations. Across the U.S.,similar patterns have been observed,with formerly redlined communities experiencing disproportionately high rates of environmental hazards,limited access to healthcare,and underfunded schools.
In Detroit, for example, a 2024 study by the University of Michigan found that residents in historically redlined neighborhoods were twice as likely to live near a contaminated site compared to those in non-redlined areas. In Atlanta, a 2025 report by the Brookings Institution revealed that schools in formerly redlined areas received significantly less funding per student compared to schools in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods.
The White House’s Justice40 Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to direct 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. This initiative is a step toward addressing these disparities,but much work remains to be done.
The New York City study adds to a growing body of evidence highlighting the long-term consequences of discriminatory housing policies. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders to prioritize investments in underserved neighborhoods and work towards creating a more equitable and resilient city for all.
FAQ: Electricity Inaccessibility in NYC
Q: What is redlining, and how does it relate to power outages?
A: Redlining was a discriminatory practice where banks and other institutions denied services, such as mortgages, to residents of certain neighborhoods
NYC Redlining’s Lingering Impact: an Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma on Electrical Disparities
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NEW YORK (Archyde.com) – To delve deeper into the findings of a new study linking ancient redlining in New York City to present-day electrical service disparities, Archyde News Editor sat down with Dr. Anya Sharma,lead researcher on the study adn a senior urban planner specializing in infrastructure and social equity.
The Core Findings: A Conversation with Dr. Sharma
Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Your study has highlighted a significant correlation between historic redlining and current power outage patterns. Could you elaborate on the key findings for our readers?
Dr. Sharma: Thanks for having me. Absolutely. Our research revealed that neighborhoods graded “C” and “D” by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation in the 1930s—areas predominantly inhabited by minority and immigrant communities —still experience substantially higher rates of electricity inaccessibility compared to “A” and “B” graded areas.We found, such as, that D-graded neighborhoods have three times as many outage reports as A-graded ones.
Understanding the Metrics
Archyde: The study used several metrics, including 311 calls, SAIFI, and energy use. Can you explain what these measurements tell us?
Dr. Sharma: Certainly. 311 calls related to outages serve as a direct indicator of interruptions, while SAIFI—System Average Interruption Frequency Index—measures the average number of yearly interruptions per customer. This helps us quantify the frequency of power failures.Interestingly, although there are disparities in outage frequency, we didn’t find significant differences in median residential energy use between A- and D-graded areas. Energy use patterns appear more linked to borough location.
the Broader Context of Systemic Disparities
Archyde: the study also noted the continued impact on socioeconomic conditions, using the Index of Concentration at the Extremes. What did that reveal?
Dr. Sharma: We found that areas with high concentrations of disadvantage experience more frequent 311 outage-related calls compared to areas with high concentrations of privilege. This reinforces the idea that existing social and economic disparities continue to shape infrastructure access in these areas.
Addressing the Challenges
Archyde: What specific actions do you believe could help mitigate this issue in the long term?
Dr. Sharma: The findings emphasize the importance of strategic infrastructure investments in historically redlined areas. Modernizing the electrical grid, improving infrastructure maintenance, and providing energy assistance programs are key.Moreover, community involvement and policy changes focused on promoting equitable growth are so critically significant.
Looking Ahead & Engaging the Community
Archyde: This is a timely and importent study. do you see any innovative solutions emerging to bring equity to the electrical disparities discovered?
Dr. Sharma: There are several promising initiatives. For instance, integrating microgrids and decentralized power sources could improve resilience in vulnerable neighborhoods. Another great example is the expansion of the Justice40 Initiative by the White House that directs 40% benefits from selected Federal investments to disadvantaged communities. They’re all steps in the right direction.
Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your research and insights. it’s a critical contribution to understanding and addressing these ongoing inequities. Our readers have lots to think about.
Dr.Sharma: thanks for covering this critical topic. I’m pleased the study can play a part in raising awareness and fostering important dialog.
Archyde: We encourage our readers to share thoughts on this important study about redlining and equity in the comments section below.
