13/03/2008
Thousands 'Saved' From Fuel Poverty
The scourge of fuel poverty is being addressed in Northern Ireland with as many as 200,000 households being 'saved' from falling into the category.
Northern Ireland Assembly Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today praised the impact of the Government's work in tackling the issue.
Commenting on the release of the 2007 Home Energy Conservation Report by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Minister Ritchie noted that between 2001 and 2006, fuel poverty in Northern Ireland has risen by 7%.
Minister Ritchie said: "We estimate that around 200,000 households have been saved from fuel poverty by our actions.
"In this year alone, my Department has helped make 17,000 families warmer through improving the energy efficiency of their homes. I also secured an additional £2 million during in-year to install solar panels in nearly 700 homes.
"The rising cost of fuel across the world has made this increase inevitable. However, had it not been for the work of my Department and others through programmes such as the Warm Homes Scheme, the increase in levels of fuel poverty would have been much sharper."
The Minister went on to say there would be no room for complacency, as there is an intended increase in the Department’s spending on fuel by a further half a million pounds from the beginning of next month. This would bring their commitment to tackling fuel poverty to £34.5m.
Commenting further on the need to improve sustainability and energy efficiency in the private and social sectors, Ms Ritchie concluded: "My department will continue to examine the potential for extending innovation partnership arrangements with Northern Ireland Electricity and others to speed up the replacement of Economy 7 heating systems, targeting those with particular health needs and piloting renewable energy technologies as a means of tackling rural fuel poverty."
(JM)(BMcC)
Northern Ireland Assembly Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today praised the impact of the Government's work in tackling the issue.
Commenting on the release of the 2007 Home Energy Conservation Report by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Minister Ritchie noted that between 2001 and 2006, fuel poverty in Northern Ireland has risen by 7%.
Minister Ritchie said: "We estimate that around 200,000 households have been saved from fuel poverty by our actions.
"In this year alone, my Department has helped make 17,000 families warmer through improving the energy efficiency of their homes. I also secured an additional £2 million during in-year to install solar panels in nearly 700 homes.
"The rising cost of fuel across the world has made this increase inevitable. However, had it not been for the work of my Department and others through programmes such as the Warm Homes Scheme, the increase in levels of fuel poverty would have been much sharper."
The Minister went on to say there would be no room for complacency, as there is an intended increase in the Department’s spending on fuel by a further half a million pounds from the beginning of next month. This would bring their commitment to tackling fuel poverty to £34.5m.
Commenting further on the need to improve sustainability and energy efficiency in the private and social sectors, Ms Ritchie concluded: "My department will continue to examine the potential for extending innovation partnership arrangements with Northern Ireland Electricity and others to speed up the replacement of Economy 7 heating systems, targeting those with particular health needs and piloting renewable energy technologies as a means of tackling rural fuel poverty."
(JM)(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
06 September 2011
Report Highlights NI Fuel Poverty
As winter approaches, measures to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland over the past decade have been highlighted. A new report said this week these have been effective - but that much more needs to be done. This was the result of new research carried out by the University of Ulster.
Report Highlights NI Fuel Poverty
As winter approaches, measures to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland over the past decade have been highlighted. A new report said this week these have been effective - but that much more needs to be done. This was the result of new research carried out by the University of Ulster.
13 June 2025
NI Pensioners To Receive Winter Fuel Payments
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, following a recent government reversal on eligibility restrictions.
NI Pensioners To Receive Winter Fuel Payments
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, following a recent government reversal on eligibility restrictions.
28 October 2010
Heating Crisis Looms For NI Elderly
Old people in NI are facing stark choices, sometimes having to decide between buying themselves food, or buying fuel for heating their homes. The Alliance party Social Development Spokesperson Anna Lo has expressed shock at NI Housing Executive figures that show a 20% increase in the number of older people living on their own facing fuel poverty.
Heating Crisis Looms For NI Elderly
Old people in NI are facing stark choices, sometimes having to decide between buying themselves food, or buying fuel for heating their homes. The Alliance party Social Development Spokesperson Anna Lo has expressed shock at NI Housing Executive figures that show a 20% increase in the number of older people living on their own facing fuel poverty.
13 June 2022
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.