Portugal and Spain share a historical and territorial bond, as well as a significant challenge in alleviating energy poverty, a complex issue affecting millions of people. Reducing this social scourge is a significant concern for both governments, which have published national energy poverty strategies in recent years. This paper critically explores the Iberian policy frameworks to provide insights into prioritising and enhancing energy poverty actions. This comparative analysis focuses on national plans and critically evaluates the existing and planned policy measures. Additionally, it analyses the potential stakeholder networks that might contribute to mitigating energy poverty. Findings reveal the need to foster good practices, as well as shortcomings in policy reach and the impact of certain programs. An automatic cash transfer covering all necessary energy services may be a viable solution for both countries to mitigate energy vulnerability in the short term. In the medium to long term, an ad hoc, easy-to-apply energy efficiency subsidy program might enhance the structural improvement of vulnerable households’ well-being and financial situations. On the planning side, the Iberian national energy poverty strategies have been grounded in similar key action pillars; however, their policy proposals lack detailed funding estimates and associated time frames, and do not include ex-ante impact evaluations. These countries can benefit from the cross-exchange of good practices and, with the help of the identified stakeholders, reinforce the implementation of their energy poverty policy plans. The policy recommendations and identified strengths and weaknesses presented in this paper are informative for Iberian decision-makers and other EU Member States, contributing insights on how to enhance and prioritise energy poverty actions.
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2025_Barrella et al. Policy and Action EP Iberian Peninsula.pdf