Lack of electricity in Cañada Real
23.12.2020
Question for written answer E-007057/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eugenia Rodríguez Palop (The Left)
Since October, the 4 600 or so residents of sectors 5 and 6 in Cañada Real, Madrid, which include 1 800 children, have had no access to electricity. This is taking its toll on the children’s mental and physical health — there is a risk of poisoning from gas stoves being used for heating — and, as a consequence of the pandemic, it violates their right to an education.
The High Commissioner for Combating Child Poverty has described these events as a ‘humanitarian emergency’.[1] The Ombudsman has also requested urgent action.[2] Nevertheless, neither the electricity company nor local authorities have so far restored power.
In view of the obligations under Directives 2009/72/EC and (EU) 2019/944 regarding the adequate protection of vulnerable users, as well as recent Recommendation (EU) 2020/1563 on energy poverty, will the Commission follow up on this by monitoring the measures that need to be taken by local authorities to ensure that residents have access to electricity, as is their right under EU law?