Analysis of the distributional impact of measures to contain the 2022 energy crisis in Spain

This chapter analyses the distributional impacts of the measures adopted in Spain to contain the 2022 energy crisis. The results show that in 2022 energy bills increased by an average of 29 per cent on 2021 levels, but that without the measures taken the increase would have been 44 per cent. However, the increase in average energy bills was markedly lower among low-income and vulnerable households (4-16 per cent). These findings show that overall the measures adopted were progressive, largely thanks to those aimed at containing electricity prices. However, in absolute terms, the benefits of these measures increased with income levels, given that many were general measures, such as subsidies for vehicle fuel prices. The study shows social impact in terms of vertical and horizontal equity and gives policy recommendations for focusing aid more narrowly in future energy crises. These findings will be useful in increasing the social acceptance of climate policies such as environmental taxation.