Communities Minister has launched a consultation
on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland and new
energy efficiency scheme for low-income, vulnerable households.
This sets out a long-term plan for ensuring everyone can live in
a warm, healthy home. It builds on the objectives of the Housing
Supply Strategy, launched by the Minister last week.
Minister Lyons said: “My vision is of a warm, healthy
home for everyone in Northern Ireland. As I said when I announced
the Housing Supply Strategy, that goes beyond bricks and
mortar.
“I am pleased to issue a consultation on a new Fuel
Poverty Strategy that sets out how we propose to tackle fuel
poverty in the medium to long-term.
“We want to make homes more energy efficient and make
lasting improvements for consumers. To ensure that we prioritise
long-term, sustainable solutions, this consultation also outlines
proposals for a new and more ambitious energy efficiency scheme
for low-income, vulnerable households.
“Cold homes can lead to poor physical and mental health
for residents. Improving energy efficiency not only means lower
bills for householders, but also better outcomes in terms of
their well-being. That is why I am making these proposals and I
look forward to hearing your views.”
Recent modelling suggests that, in 2022, more than a quarter of
households here were living in fuel poverty.
Factors impacting on fuel poverty include the energy efficiency
of homes, the energy needs of the household, the cost of energy,
household income and people's ability to access energy solutions
that are right for them.
Tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland will help protect
people, particularly the most vulnerable, from the effects of
cold and damp living conditions. Doing so sustainably will also
make a positive contribution to the Executive's legislative
commitments.
The draft Fuel Poverty Strategy builds on information gathered
though an extensive stakeholder engagement process and sets out
key priorities and actions for government. The approach
recognises our legislative responsibilities and focuses on
ensuring a Just Transition to low-carbon homes. It also proposes
a new method to measuring and reporting on fuel poverty.
The consultation will run until 6 March 2025 and there are a
range of opportunities to engage.
Details can be found at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-new-fuel-poverty-strategy-northern-ireland
Notes to editors:
- This consultation is in relation to a draft Fuel Poverty
Strategy which applies to Northern Ireland only.
- Most recent modelled fuel poverty figures can be found here:
Impact of 2022 fuel prices on
fuel poverty in Northern Ireland
- Responses to this consultation can be made online or via
email to: fuelpovertystrategy@communities-ni.gov.uk
