Existing indicators used to track progress towards achieving target 7.1 of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) narrowly interpret energy poverty as a lack of connections. Recently proposed measurement frameworks are multidimensional, but complex and conceptually muddled. We propose an alternative framework that simplifies and distinguishes two conceptually distinct aspects of energy access-energy supply conditions and the status of household energy poverty. This approach, with refinements through further applications to real data, can improve the design and targeting of policies to both service providers and vulnerable groups to accelerate affordable and reliable energy service provision.