Pobrezia Energetikoa: Fenomenoaren hurbilketa kontzeptuala, Ekonomia Sozial eta Solidarioarekiko loturak

Abstract

The following paper intends to make an approach to energy poverty. In recent years, this issue has gradually drawn the attention of the academic world and social movements alike, becoming an urgent problem to solve in western societies. The analysis is split in two parts. On the first part, carrying out a conceptual approach of the issue at hand, the two main theoretical streams present in the literature of energy poverty are introduced, namely, «the dichotomic perspective» and «the energy services perspective». Furthermore, enriching this conceptualization exercise, the relation between energy poverty and poverty in general has been assessed, coming to the conclusion that the pertinence of whether to carry out a joint or a separate analysis boils down to the definition of poverty. On the second part, the associations and relationships that could exist between energy poverty and the Social and Solidarity Economy have been examined, coming up with two potential bonds between them. Firstly, the capability of the organizations of the Social and Solidarity Economy to raise awareness about the consequences of energy poverty. Secondly, their capability to implement measures, strategies and actions to mitigate energy poverty. In this later field of action, these organizations could have a distinguished role concerning identification, energy supply and intervention.