The near- and long-term societal effects of declining EROI are uncertain, but probably adverse. A major obstacle to examining social implications of declining EROI is that we do not have adequate empirical understanding of how EROI is linked, directly or indirectly, to an average citizen′s ability to achieve well-being. To evaluate the possible linkages between societal well-being and net energy availability, we compare these preliminary estimates of energy availability: (1) EROI at a societal level, (2) energy use per capita, (3) multiple regression analyses and (4) a new composite energy index (Lambert Energy Index), to select indicators of quality of life (HDI, percent children under weight, health expenditures, Gender Inequality Index, literacy rate and access to improved water). Our results suggest that energy indices are highly correlated with a higher standard of living. We also find a saturation point at which increases in per capita energy availability (greater than 150GJ) or EROI (above 20:1) are not associated with further improvement to society. Display omitted •Large quantities of high quality energy appears to contribute to social well-being.•LEI examines the quantity, efficiency and distribution of energy within the system.•EROISOC of <25:1, <100GJ/capita and LEI<0.2 point to poor/moderate quality of life.•A threshold of well-being is: EROISOC of 20–30:1, 100–200GJ/capita and LEI 0.2–0.4.•Improvement in well-being levels off at: EROISOC>30:1, >200GJ/capita and LEI>0.4.