How to combat energy poverty according to other countries

Energy poverty is an issue that, since the crisis that began last decade, has been highlighted as one of the major evils that we must fight in society. In Spain, this problem is exacerbated for two reasons. The first is the increase in energy costs and the second is the poor protection of households that depend on air conditioning systems. That, when there is an economic emergency situation, can lead to a situation where it is impossible to meet supply costs. How to combat energy poverty? European countries can give us some keys.

The non-profit association Ecoserveis collects data and actions that have been carried out in Europe to combat energy poverty and eradicate it wherever possible. And the first key they mention from the association is that it is something that cannot be addressed from a single area or group. To do this, the following actors must come together:

• Public energy departments. They are the ones who must provide solutions so that energy costs are not too high and also to offer protection to those who are at risk of entering into energy poverty.
• Housing sector. In Spain, for a long time, buildings were constructed in poor conditions without taking into account how the housing had to cope with the climate. In Europe, this did not happen as much - some places had to combat the cold - but they believe that the sector must respond to the rehabilitation of properties in poor condition.
• Welfare areas. Public agencies must advise affected individuals to see how it is possible to resolve and combat energy poverty.
• Consumer protection. In Europe, responsible consumer associations must ensure that energy suppliers do not commit irregularities.
• Health sector. Medical centers need to raise awareness among individuals who may face this problem on how to resolve it.
• The affected individual, lastly, has to take actions to ensure that their home is not affected by energy poverty.

According to the different European countries consulted by Ecoserveis, it is necessary to configure a resilient and efficient system to identify and address energy poverty. Whether at the national or international level, the association explains that strategies need to be created with short-term measures to provide immediate responses to cases of emergency, but it is essential to solve the problem at its root. And for that, it is necessary to address the structural causes of energy poverty in the long term.

In Europe, it was a success to apply both short-term and long-term policies, as the former provided rapid responses to those in the worst situations, while the latter protects against the emergence of more cases of energy poverty.

Some European solutions to combat energy poverty

Energy poverty in Spain does not only affect individuals who may be in an economic emergency situation, since the significant rise in supply costs can mean that any poorly prepared household can end up being energy poor.

At a European level, it is requested that although energy poverty has a direct impact on health, health initiatives should focus on raising awareness. It is important for health professionals to indicate when a building can be detrimental to its inhabitants. Similarly, there is a call for public policies to try to invest more money in improving buildings, as this would reduce the need to pay for healthcare services to assist those affected.

From Ecoserveis it is noted that the problem in Spain is the lack of political will, especially in the collaboration between relevant agents. And it is necessary to keep in mind that synergies between public administration and companies in the sector must occur. To combat energy poverty buildings must be protected against the cold, which is the greatest enemy in every home. Heating can be expensive for some households, and it is more important to condition homes than to spend on air conditioning.

It is also mentioned that it is possible to implement creative solutions found in other European countries in Spain:

• Create a strong network among public and private agents, and ensure knowledge sharing between different sectors such as energy and housing, as well as welfare and health.
• Plan long-term emergency measures, as sustainability will be what prevents future cases of energy poverty.
• Replicate the successes of other states that have managed to avoid problems with home climate control in winter.

In Spain, to combat energy poverty it is important to look at what has been done in Northern European countries, as that is where the need for climate control is greater due to the cold climate.