La reduction of energy poverty It has become one of the most urgent social challenges in Spain, Latin America, and other regions of the world. More and more organizations, foundations, and energy companies are launching Strategies to ensure universal access to energy, fighting exclusion and improving the quality of life of thousands of families. Through awards, pilot projects, and multisector collaborations, we are expanding the possibilities for addressing this problem, which affects both the daily economy of households and their overall well-being.
Over the past year, various initiatives have demonstrated that it is possible to implement effective and sustainable solutions, adapted to both urban and rural environments. From the access to natural gas and the GLP (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) up to energy consulting and job training programs, the results are palpable: significant decrease in expenditures required for basic services, greater comfort and economic opportunities, and special attention to particularly vulnerable groups.
Awards and recognitions for social projects in Spain
In the Spanish context, the Naturgy Foundation has stood out for its commitment to the fight against energy poverty. Each year, it recognizes organizations that develop social impact projects focused on access to and responsible use of energy. In the latest edition of its awards, the Prohousing Association received the main award for its initiative “Solutions for Energy Saving at Home”, which offers diagnosis, advice and training in consumption habits, with special attention to the bill optimization and access to the social electricity bonus.
This project has benefited more than 2.300 people only in the Canary Islands since 2018, resulting in a direct reduction in the amount of energy bills and in the acquisition of good sustainable consumption habits over time. The prize money will allow for scaling up the impact, including possible renovations to improve energy efficiency in vulnerable housing.
Initiatives that link energy and employability are also awarded, such as the one developed by Thyme FoundationIts program aims to train young people at risk of social exclusion in areas such as electricity, e-administration, and IT. They then put their knowledge into practice through real-life audits and energy awareness-raising activities in disadvantaged homes.
The work of the Naturgy Foundation, together with other finalist entities, translates into more than 260.000 beneficiaries each year and joins forces with the third sector, educational centers and public administrations. Programs such as the Energy Vulnerability Plan and the Solidarity Fund for Energy Rehabilitation They have managed to directly intervene in thousands of homes, carrying out everything from express renovations to promoting renewable energy in residential centers.
Social innovation and multi-sector collaboration
One of the most relevant developments in the fight against energy poverty has been the creation of innovative mechanisms such as the Energy Bank. Powered by the Responsible Energy Foundation Together with energy companies like Visalia, this system is based on the donation of energy resources by companies and consumers, covering everything from electricity and gas to diesel and biomass.
Thanks to this platform, close to 30.000 people in vulnerable situations have had their essential energy needs met across the country. The model not only provides energy directly to those most in need, but also enables targeted assistance, such as fuel payments for families with limited access to transportation or the installation of solar panels in shelters. In addition, it allows you to donate assets such as renewable energy certificates, integrating the energy transition with social justice criteria.
These initiatives foster collaboration with dozens of foundations and associations, promote job training for people with disabilities, and promote equal opportunities in the energy sector. The goal is to ensure that no family is left out of the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy models.
Access to gas and LPG in Latin America, key to energy inclusion
In Latin America, and especially in Peru, access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and gas natural has become a fundamental tool in combating energy poverty. The rapid increase in LPG coverage—which has gone from 20% to 70% of Peruvian households in two decades—has led to a decrease in the percentage of families in a situation of energy exclusion From 47% to 25%. This shift has allowed millions of people to have a safe, modern, and affordable source of access for cooking, heating water, and using household appliances.
The impact goes beyond the home: nearly 650.000 vehicles and some 250.000 small and medium-sized businesses use LPG due to its low cost and ease of installation, contributing to economic activity and job creation. Dependence on national deposits such as Camisea strengthens energy security and minimizes exposure to the fluctuations of the international market.
However, experts warn of the need to improve storage and distribution infrastructure, as well as update regulatory frameworks to ensure a truly inclusive expansion. Subsidies, such as the Vale FISE program In Peru, they have already benefited more than 1,3 million vulnerable households, but access barriers persist in rural areas or those with less developed distribution networks.
The case of natural gas also highlights the importance of planned massification. In regions such as Lima and Ica, access to this resource has significantly reduced the family energy expenditure and has improved household financial stability, while excluded areas such as Cusco continue to face difficulties and dependence on less efficient sources.
Data shows that modern energy not only reduces the household bill direct, but also allows for greater disposable income and facilitates long-term family financial planning.
Essential factors for advancing energy inclusion
Behind all these advances there is a clear commitment to training and collaboration between sectors and regulatory innovation. Experts agree that educate citizens The need to promote energy savings habits, energy rights, and new technologies is just as important as creating distribution infrastructure or approving financial aid. Partnerships between foundations, public administrations, private companies, and third-sector entities have been instrumental in bringing energy to where it's most needed.
Furthermore, the Importance of regulatory adaptation and measures to achieve energy objectives in 2030 It is key to removing barriers, encouraging private investment, and ensuring service quality. Balancing infrastructure costs and affordability remains one of the major challenges facing many regions.
Recent experiences show that, with well-designed programs and effective partnerships, it is possible to significantly reduce energy poverty in very diverse contexts. From projects that combine technology and social action Through public policies that prioritize inclusion and sustainability, universal access to energy is increasingly becoming a tangible reality for all.
