4 Dec 2009

Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009

An annual update report on fuel poverty* on the island of Ireland has found an unprecedented level of policy activity in 2009 - and highlights fuel poverty as a major concern during the current economic downturn.

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009 states that it was “a prolific year for public consultations, reviews of policy and partnership building involving Governments, State agencies, local authorities and voluntary organisations.”

IPH Chief Executive Dr Jane Wilde said: “The current economic downturn presents a formidable challenge to reducing fuel poverty on the island, creating pressure for the development of new and innovative approaches. There have been considerable improvements in energy efficiency in the residential sector, but progress could be faster and increasingly concentrated on reaching people who are fuel poor.”

She added: “The Government must be careful “not to make any adjustments in the budget which would further increase fuel poverty.”

The most recent figure for fuel poverty in the Republic of Ireland uses an EU measure and shows a rate approaching 10% in 2007. The UK uses a different measuring system which ESRI used to estimate that fuel poverty in the Republic rose by 4% to 19.4% between 2006 and 2008.

A cold spell in early 2009 caused both Governments to respond by introducing additional fuel subsidies and fast tracking energy saving initiatives.

Additional funding was given in January for Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Warmer Homes Scheme and a fast-track initiative, the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery was launched in March. These have resulted in a large number of households becoming more energy efficient. The role of utility regulators expanded with increased attention on protecting the rights of vulnerable customers.

The report co-author Professor Christine Liddell, University of Ulster, stated: “The economic downturn is placing more people at risk of fuel poverty, as more people become unemployed and dependent on welfare benefits.

She added: “A number of steps could help reduce the likelihood of fuel poverty such as improving the energy efficiency of homes and fitting ‘smart metering’ and better commitment to standards in rental accommodation.”

In conclusion, Dr Wilde called for research into tackling fuel poverty to be made a priority. “Research is urgently needed to evaluate current and proposed energy saving measures, analyse the circumstances of cold-related deaths, and investigate the effects of fuel poverty on health and wellbeing.”

The growth of fuel poverty as a policy area in the Republic of Ireland was highlighted with the Renewed Programme for Government commitment in October 2009 to deliver a national Fuel Poverty Strategy by the end of the year. The Programme also promised to introduce a carbon tax, but gave a specific commitment that those most at risk of fuel poverty would be protected.

This report follows the IPH All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health in 2007, and the Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2008.

Further Information
Ronan Cavanagh, Montague Communications: (01) 830 3116 or (086) 317 9731.
Arlene McKay, Institute of Public Health in Ireland: (048) 9069 0058 or (0044) 773 490 3944.

Fuel Poverty
*Fuel poverty occurs when people live in cold, damp, and thermally inefficient houses. Fuel poverty is defined as when a household needs to spend more than 10% of their income on energy in order to maintain an acceptable level of heat throughout their home.

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) promotes cooperation for public health across the island of Ireland. It aims to improve health by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policy in favour of health. Further information can be found at www.publichealth.ie.