Free School meals for 554 Children in Spain

Energy Poverty in Spain

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) points out that in Spain, energy poverty has become a structural problem that worsens every year. More than 1 million households struggle to pay their electricity bills, and over 3 million people are unable to keep their homes at an adequate temperature in winter. This means that every night, thousands of children bathe, have dinner, or do their homework in poorly lit spaces or cold rooms.

Specifically, energy poverty has increased particularly among low-income households and families with dependent children. Rising energy prices, inflation, and low incomes make it increasingly difficult to cover basic expenses.

This is also stated by EAPN in its 14th Report, “The State of Poverty” by EAPN-ES:
“Households experiencing poverty and social exclusion often suffer from greater energy inefficiency due to poor insulation, substandard and unhealthy housing conditions, and the use of inefficient installations and appliances. This results in an increase in the number of people in poverty who struggle to maintain an adequate temperature in their homes: 43.1% to keep them sufficiently cool in summer and 38.5% warm during the colder months.”

This issue is not only local. At a global level, the United Nations (UN) warns that 733 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, and that 660 million could remain without it by 2030. In addition, nearly 2 billion people will continue to rely on polluting fuels for cooking. Safe and affordable access to energy remains an international challenge that primarily affects children’s development.

Energy poverty is the inability of a household to meet its basic energy needs, such as lighting the home, maintaining an adequate temperature, cooking, or keeping food properly preserved. Although it may seem like a purely material problem, it also has emotional, educational, and social consequences:

Lower academic performance. Studying without proper lighting or in cold conditions is a daily barrier for thousands of children. When it gets dark, many are unable to read, do homework, or concentrate properly, which directly affects their academic performance.

Social and emotional isolation. In households where basic needs are not met, many everyday activities are limited or avoided. For example, children do not invite friends over because the house is cold, playtime is reduced, access to electronic devices is limited, and family tensions arise due to financial stress. Children growing up in these circumstances experience greater loneliness, stress, and anxiety.

Food poverty. Some families are forced to cook only foods that require less cooking time to save electricity or gas. This leads to poorer diets, less nutritional variety, or a risk of malnutrition. When energy is lacking, food is also affected—and with it, children’s overall health.

With the campaign “Light Up Their Lives,” we want to show that a small gesture can change everything. What do we achieve with your help?

• Home lighting so children can study and play.

• Warm homes where children can rest and feel safe during the winter.

• Basic, nutritious food to keep the fridge stocked consistently, so no child goes to bed hungry.

• Comprehensive support for families to help them regain autonomy and break the cycle of poverty.

At this time of year, light holds a special meaning. However, for thousands of households, Christmas arrives without brightness, without warmth, and without the chance to enjoy the moments that give these celebrations their meaning. Ultimately, through our Protection, Prevention, and Youth Support programs across eleven autonomous communities, we support 59,317 children and young people and 8,471 at-risk families in our country.