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Qualitative evaluation of an intervention to reduce energy poverty: Effects perceived by participants according to typologies of social vulnerability

Abstract:

Energy poverty (EP) is a systemic problem associated with various health effects. The city council of Barcelona carried out an intervention to reduce EP among social services users. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of the intervention perceived by participants and to identify typologies of social vulnerability that could affect these effects. A qualitative methodology was used within a grounded theory framework with a critical theory approach. Twenty-one interviews and 11 discussion groups were conducted among 89 participants in the intervention. Six typologies of social vulnerability were defined: single mothers, older people, migrants, tenants, people living in dwellings in poor conditions and people with chronic health problems. The results show that the overall effects of the program included economic savings, improved thermal comfort, increased perception of social support, enhanced knowledge of energy efficiency and rights to basic supplies, and greater energy security. These factors improved well-being and reduced stress and anxiety related to not being able to use energy supplies. The effects of the intervention might vary according to housing conditions, the perceived priority of social problems and the type of social vulnerability among participants. Importantly, a single individual could experience different axes of social inequality simultaneously. A typologies approach to interventions can provide a deeper understanding for the design of equitable policies to reduce EP.