The Cádiz Provincial Council has approved a budget of €297,000 for aid aimed at combating energy poverty among the province's most vulnerable families. A total of 37 municipalities, including the 30 towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants and 7 autonomous local entities, have joined this initiative.

This fund, managed by the Social Services, Families, and Equality Department, is part of a Strategic Plan that has been in operation for a decade. Once the Provincial Council transfers the funds to the local councils, it is the community social services that evaluate the applications. Professionals verify the economic and family situation of each household to determine eligibility for the aid.

The assessment for granting this aid considers not only income but also other relevant circumstances. It evaluates if any family member has a recognized degree of disability or dependency, if there are electro-dependent individuals (requiring medical equipment like dialysis or respirators), if there are victims of gender-based violence, if they are users of Social Services, or if they belong to single-parent families, among other scenarios.

The primary objective is to facilitate the payment of essential electricity, gas, and water bills. Furthermore, the fund can cover the purchase of low-consumption items such as light bulbs, radiators, fans, or portable air conditioners, thereby improving living conditions.

The network of Community Social Services, a collaboration between the Provincial Council and the Municipalities, forms the fundamental structure for assisting individuals facing vulnerability or at risk of social exclusion. Professionals within this network provide information on available benefits, assess the needs of families, and offer guidance and advice to mitigate their difficulties, while also promoting their autonomy and social inclusion.