On 17 February 2026, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved the Second National Strategy against Energy Poverty (2026–2030). Building on lessons from the implementation of the first ENPE and the rollout of the “social shield,” the new strategy aims to shift from a mainly assistance-based approach to a more structural one—applying the principles of the energy transition (efficiency and renewables) to improve and optimize energy comfort for the most vulnerable households.
Several of the contributions made during the public consultation last March 2025 by the REVERTER consortium partners have been included, based on the lessons learnt and methodology of the REVERTER project:
- One-Stop Shops (Advisory Offices)
REVERTER Proposal: We advocated for the implementation of One-Stop Shops (OSS) based on the REVERTER model to provide technical, social, and administrative advice.
Adopted Measure: This was fully adopted in Measure 12: RED-ACTÚA, which launches a pilot program to support advisory offices (fixed or itinerant) acting as catalysts for aid and renovation.
- Proactive Detection (Health & Social Systems):
REVERTER Proposal: We proposed training technical staff and integrating detection into health and social care systems.
Adopted Measure: Included in Measure 13, which promotes screening for energy poverty specifically within Primary Health Care and Social Services,.
- Bureaucracy and Coordination:
REVERTER Proposal: We requested interoperable digital platforms and a reduction in administrative barriers to avoid “non-takeup”.
Adopted Measure: Addressed in Measure 5 (Closing the coverage gap/non-takeup) and Measure 11 (Inter-administrative coordination), which establishes common dissemination spaces for resources.
The Strategy is structured around four pillars, 13 measures, and 34 actions, grouped under three main objectives:
Improve knowledge and diagnostics so public administrations and stakeholders can better identify and address energy poverty. A flagship initiative is the creation of an Energy Poverty Observatory, tasked with consolidating available information in Spain, updating and disseminating indicators, leading new monitoring and follow-up activities, and providing data to support public policy decision-making. Its core purpose is to develop indicators and a calculation methodology that reflect the real situation of vulnerable consumers, the national incidence of energy poverty, and the impact of implemented measures.
Ensure effective protection for vulnerable consumers. The second pillar includes actions such as applying a precautionary principle to prevent supply disconnections, strengthening protections for electricity-dependent people, improving safeguards against rebilling in electricity and natural gas, and reducing the non-take-up of the electricity social tariff (bono social). The fourth pillar reinforces information and advisory support, notably through RED-ACTÚA, which aims to sustain and create Community Transformation Offices.
Promote structural measures to reduce vulnerable households’ energy needs and dependence on the market, thereby lowering energy poverty overall. The third pillar’s five measures target different areas, with two key actions focused on housing: “express” renovation (efficiency upgrades that can be carried out without evacuating the home) and comprehensive housing renovation, both closely linked to the Social Climate Plan (currently being drafted).
Milestones and implementation: The Strategy adopts a milestone/achievement approach similar to Spain’s PRTR framework. Six priority measures (across the four pillars) and 14 key actions have been identified as essential for considering the Strategy effectively implemented.
Public participation: The drafting process featured extensive public engagement (early consultation, technical workshops, broad public hearing, bilateral meetings with administrations and stakeholders, and the Social Roundtable on Energy Poverty). A notable innovation was direct listening to vulnerable people through citizen labs in Toledo and Barcelona. This inclusive approach continues through the Strategy’s governance model, with explicit shared responsibility for regional governments given their competences in housing, social services, and (partly) energy, especially efficiency.
Governance: Implementation will be based on ongoing dialogue, inter-administrative cooperation, and alignment with broader social support policies. The Social Roundtable on Energy Poverty will continue and meet at least annually, with flexibility to convene at the most appropriate administrative level. In addition, an inter-administrative coordination working group will be convened at least once a year, covering multiple territories and policy areas (energy, social services, health), and can be expanded as needed for specific objectives.
More information about Estrategia Nacional contra la Pobreza energética 2026-2030