The Effects of Energy Poverty on Households with Children in Southern Andalusia

Abstract

Energy poverty is an increasingly widespread reality that severely punishes households with children, with far-reaching economic, social and health repercussions. Studying it is key to making its multidimensional effects visible and designing effective policies to protect the most vulnerable households, especially those with children. This is why this study focuses on analysing the impact of energy poverty on families with children in the south of Andalusia, specifically in Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz - Spain). To this end, 222 surveys were carried out in households with children using municipal social services, and a structural equation model with PLS was applied. The results show that energy poverty seriously compromises children's well-being: 58.55% of families cannot maintain an adequate temperature at home, and 69.36% cannot make ends meet. In addition, this situation limits access to the internet and technological devices, negatively affecting children's cognitive and educational development. These findings highlight the urgent need for public policies to reduce energy poverty in vulnerable contexts. Among the measures proposed, we highlight the extension of the coverage of social aid and the improvement of energy efficiency in housing to guarantee decent living conditions and promote the integral development of minors.