Naturgy Foundation and Cáritas help 80,000 people in their fight against energy poverty

The Naturgy Foundation and Cáritas have renewed their collaboration agreement to continue working together in the fight against energy poverty in Spain. Initiated in 2017, this collaboration has become a key tool to reduce the impact of energy vulnerability on more than 80,000 people. The quality of life of vulnerable households has been improved with initiatives such as training workshops and grants to improve energy efficiency in homes. In addition, 15 solar projects have been installed in Cáritas residential centres so that the savings obtained by the organisation can be used to help the people they serve.

Renewing the agreement will allow us to continue promoting actions throughout the country, with special attention to the autonomous regions where energy poverty is most prevalent. Training in responsible consumption will also be reinforced and energy audits will be expanded to identify savings opportunities in the most vulnerable households.

Likewise, Cáritas is a key player in the new ‘Joining Forces for Valencia’ programme that the Naturgy Foundation has launched to collaborate in the reconstruction phase of homes affected by the 2024 flooding, with interventions in 40 homes already underway. In addition to these activities, the partnership between the foundation and Cáritas also allows for quick and streamlined collaboration in emergency campaigns as they occur.

Naturgy employees also participate in this partnership with the ‘Kilometres of charitable energy’ activity, which takes place during Volunteering Week, with which the Naturgy Foundation transforms the kilometres that volunteers, their families and friends walk, run, cycle or swim into euros. This made it possible to donate 9,000 euros to the Healthy Food Project for families affected by flooding of Cáritas Diocese in Cuenca, but volunteers have been collaborating in this cause in different Cáritas Dioceses in Spain thanks to this initiative for six years.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to the people who need it most, helping them to reduce their energy bills and improving their quality of life,” said Rafael Villaseca, Chairman of the Naturgy Foundation. “We want to continue working so that energy is not a barrier, but a tool that improves quality of life and contributes to social inclusion”.

“This collaboration allows us, year after year, to support very critical situations, such as several single mothers with children and major health problems who did not have basic electrical appliances for a dignified life. The opportunity that the Naturgy Foundation offers these families has a fundamental impact on their daily lives and their self-esteem”, said Manuel Bretón, Chairman of Cáritas Española.

Actions with a real impact on the well-being of vulnerable people

The 9th Foessa Report (Promotion of Social and Sociological Studies) by Cáritas tells us of an extremely serious reality: one in four households in Spain suffers from serious housing problems, with a significant increase in overstraining to pay rent, the insecurity of not knowing if the contract will be renewed, as well as inadequate conditions such as overcrowding or housing in poor condition. In turn, 1.8 million households in energy vulnerability are unable to maintain their homes in adequate thermal conditions. This reality reinforces the suitability of Naturgy Foundation programmes.

In 2025, 422 actions were carried out on 388 properties, 95% of which were single-family homes. Of these 422 actions, more than 80% have been the purchase of electrical appliances, as well as refrigeration and heating elements. Small actions with a big impact, taking into account that most of the accompanied families live in rented accommodation, many of them in rented rooms with very precarious conditions of comfort and with great needs in terms of energy efficiency. Having efficient electrical appliances and heating and cooling devices means a significant improvement in terms of time spent on household chores, energy spending and thermal comfort. In other situations, where people own their homes, more extensive interventions can be carried out, such as improvements to the electrical installation, insulation and lighting, among others.

Additionally, in 2025, five solar projects have been implemented at Cáritas residential centres in Almeria, Ciudad Real, Leon, Vic and Madrid, with more than 90 panels, benefiting more than 500 people.

The importance of inter-agency cooperation 

Energy poverty remains one of the most important social challenges in Spain, affecting thousands of families who cannot keep their homes at an adequate temperature or afford the cost of energy. With this collaboration, Naturgy Foundation and Cáritas reaffirm their commitment to continue working on solutions that combine solidarity, efficiency and sustainability, consolidating a model of collaboration that helps to strengthen business commitment to society, ensuring that the most vulnerable people have access to solutions that improve their wellbeing and their future.

The renewal of the agreement is part of the Naturgy Foundation’s strategy to integrate social sustainability into its activity, complementing its initiatives in education and energy transition with actions that have a direct impact on people’s quality of life.

Furthermore, this partnership reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to the social economy and public-private collaboration, demonstrating that cooperation between organisations is essential to face today’s social and environmental challenges. The work carried out by the Naturgy Foundation would not be possible without the third-sector entities, foundations, educational centres, companies, universities and government bodies with which it weaves partnerships to build a better future. The sum of everyone’s efforts enable it to continue adding value and help create a more humane and sustainable society.