Families from Cerro Navia participate in free program to promote more energy-efficient homes

• The Aurora de Chile neighborhood in Cerro Navia was the focus of the fourth edition of the Energy Inclusion Program, which aims to improve energy conditions in households within the Metropolitan Region.
• Thanks to this initiative, 57 homes gained access to the installation of solar thermal systems, appliance replacements, improvements to hazardous electrical connections, energy efficiency kits, and heating system upgrades.

The Energy Inclusion Project in Cerro Navia aims to combat energy poverty in the district through innovative initiatives with families. To achieve this, a strategic partnership was formed between Enel Distribution, STM from the Saesa Group, and the Municipality of Cerro Navia, who worked together to develop and monitor the program. Coordination and execution were led by EBP Chile, EGEA NGO, and the Energy Poverty Network.

The project began in August 2023 with an assessment that helped identify the most appropriate and feasible energy interventions for each family, such as appliance replacements, the provision of efficient heating equipment, repairs to dangerous electrical connections, and the installation of solar panels for hot water. Additionally, workshops on energy efficiency and renewable energy were held to guide people toward responsible electricity consumption.

The initiative benefited 57 families who were facing challenges related to access, quality, and equity in energy services in their homes, using a Living Lab methodology.

“Reducing energy poverty gaps is a proven solution to ease the economic pressures on families, particularly as the effects of climate change weigh more heavily on disadvantaged social groups. With this project, we once again demonstrate that through energy efficiency and reducing expenses, it is possible to improve families' quality of life while also taking small-scale climate action,” explained Camila de la Quintana, Sustainability and Circular Economy Manager at Enel Distribución.

Jorge Villar, Zonal Manager at STM, commented: “Reducing energy gaps through equipment renewal can be the first step toward transforming people's quality of life. But we also understand that this change must be addressed from various angles. That's why, at STM and all Saesa Group subsidiaries, we are committed to energy education, empowering our customers to make informed and sustainable decisions. Our 'Your Consumption Does Matter' program reflects this.”

As part of the actions taken, efficient appliances including 21 refrigerators and 23 electric heaters were provided, along with 57 energy efficiency kits and the installation of six solar water heaters. Additionally, seven electrical upgrades were made to improve the safety of homes by repairing and replacing electrical systems like breakers, outlets, and switches, ensuring a safer and more efficient environment for the benefited families.

“The project was very well received. All the neighbors are happy and grateful. There are a lot of elderly people in this neighborhood, and we'd never received anything like this,” said Patricia Pérez, one of the neighbors who participated in the program. Meanwhile, Alicia Valenzuela, another resident of Aurora de Chile, explained that the initiative “was very beneficial because, in our case, we are retirees, and today we can see significant savings on our electricity and gas bills.”

Thanks to the project, an annual global savings of 12.4 MWh of electricity and 46.8 MWh of thermal energy was achieved, equivalent to nearly 6 million pesos annually, along with a reduction in emissions of 11.3 tons of CO2e due to the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and new job opportunities with a gender focus, among other benefits. Thus, the program serves as an example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can generate a positive and sustainable impact on people's lives by providing access to quality energy services.

Among the results obtained from the application of these measures are the following:

Summary of monetary savings and reductions in CO2 eq.