Access to energy does not depend solely on infrastructure or assistance programs. For many households, personal support remains essential for coping with payment difficulties or administrative procedures. In Martinique, EDF is strengthening this approach by relying more heavily on social workers, through several seminars recently held in Sainte-Luce and Le Morne-Rouge.
Social workers: Essential links in the support chain
Held in Sainte-Luce and Le Morne-Rouge, these meetings brought together nearly 200 professionals from the island’s social service agencies, including local governments, municipal social action centers (CCAS), and the CAF.
The goal was to raise awareness of the resources available to households facing energy-related difficulties and to strengthen cooperation between EDF and on-the-ground stakeholders. These stakeholders play a key role in identifying situations of vulnerability and referring individuals to appropriate assistance programs.
«These seminars demonstrate our commitment to working collectively with local stakeholders to ensure sustainable access to electricity. Our mission at EDF—and particularly within the Solidarity Division—is to support all customers, especially the most vulnerable,», says Daniela Beroard, head of EDF’s Solidarity Division in Martinique.
Raise awareness of the available assistance
During these sessions, participants learned about the various resources that can be utilized to support clients in need.
These include, in particular, the energy voucher, options for paying in installments, and the Solidarity Services Access Portal (PASS), a tool designed to simplify the process and track situations requiring specific support.
For EDF, the goal is to enable social workers to serve as local liaisons who can quickly refer households to solutions tailored to their specific situations.
A Social Issue at the Heart of the Energy Transition
Beyond financial measures, the issue of access to energy is part of a broader challenge involving the inclusion and support of vulnerable populations. In a context where the shift to online procedures can be a barrier for some users, the presence of local representatives remains essential to ensure access to rights and existing assistance.
Each year, EDF Martinique’s Solidarity Division processes nearly 400 requests in collaboration with institutional and nonprofit partners in the region. The company also contributes to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL), which provides support to households facing payment difficulties related to housing and essential living expenses.
EDF also maintains a presence at three France Services locations—in Lorrain, Le François, and Les Anses-d’Arlet—to ensure it remains as close as possible to its customers.
Raising Awareness to Better Manage Consumption
The fight against energy poverty also involves managing energy consumption. Through its Agir Plus program, EDF encourages households to adopt more energy-efficient habits and to reduce their energy costs in a sustainable way.
By strengthening the skills of social workers and developing partnerships with local social service organizations, EDF Martinique aims to help ensure that existing assistance programs reach more people and to prevent energy poverty in the region.
