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06/12/2013
Fuel Poverty Remains 'Major Issue'
Fuel poverty remains a major issue for people in Northern Ireland, according to a new report by the Housing Executive.
The report notes that 42% of Northern Ireland homes were recorded as experiencing fuel poverty in 2011.
It noted an investment in 2012-2013 of over £20m on heating, insulation and double glazing in NIHE housing stock.
9,095 insulation measures and 907 heating replacements were carried out in private homes under the Department for Social Development’s Warm Homes scheme in 2012/13, at a cost of almost £14.7m.
DSD’s Boiler Replacement Scheme has seen 8,700 installations completed from September 2012 to October 2013.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "Fuel poverty remains a very real issue for many people in Northern Ireland, particularly at this time of year when temperatures begin to fall. Given the Energy Regulator’s recent comments that the era of high energy prices is going to be with us for considerable time, I know that many of us share this concern.
"In April 2011, My Department launched the Fuel Poverty Strategy 'Warmer Healthier Homes' which set out our vision for the future as "a society in which people live in a warm comfortable home and need not worry about the effect of the cold on their health".
"The strategy emphasised the need for a partnership approach to tackling this issue. My Department has responsibility for improving domestic energy efficiency and working closely with the Housing Executive, as the report highlights, much has been achieved."
The Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Coalition says around 300,000 households in Northern Ireland currently cannot afford to heat their homes.
(IT/CD)
The report notes that 42% of Northern Ireland homes were recorded as experiencing fuel poverty in 2011.
It noted an investment in 2012-2013 of over £20m on heating, insulation and double glazing in NIHE housing stock.
9,095 insulation measures and 907 heating replacements were carried out in private homes under the Department for Social Development’s Warm Homes scheme in 2012/13, at a cost of almost £14.7m.
DSD’s Boiler Replacement Scheme has seen 8,700 installations completed from September 2012 to October 2013.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "Fuel poverty remains a very real issue for many people in Northern Ireland, particularly at this time of year when temperatures begin to fall. Given the Energy Regulator’s recent comments that the era of high energy prices is going to be with us for considerable time, I know that many of us share this concern.
"In April 2011, My Department launched the Fuel Poverty Strategy 'Warmer Healthier Homes' which set out our vision for the future as "a society in which people live in a warm comfortable home and need not worry about the effect of the cold on their health".
"The strategy emphasised the need for a partnership approach to tackling this issue. My Department has responsibility for improving domestic energy efficiency and working closely with the Housing Executive, as the report highlights, much has been achieved."
The Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Coalition says around 300,000 households in Northern Ireland currently cannot afford to heat their homes.
(IT/CD)
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A shocking 75,000 NI households are living in severe fuel poverty by recognised national standards. Yesterday, the Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland (pictured) welcomed the publication of a report by the University of Ulster entitled 'Defining Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland: A Preliminary Review'.
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.
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.
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19 November 2003
NI fuel poverty 'appalling'
A new report released today has revealed that many areas across Northern Ireland suffer from "appalling" fuel poverty. The study, by fuel poverty charity NEA Northern Ireland, revealed that there were 203,000 fuel poor households in Northern Ireland, as well as an average of 1,360 pensioner deaths every, because of cold weather.
NI fuel poverty 'appalling'
A new report released today has revealed that many areas across Northern Ireland suffer from "appalling" fuel poverty. The study, by fuel poverty charity NEA Northern Ireland, revealed that there were 203,000 fuel poor households in Northern Ireland, as well as an average of 1,360 pensioner deaths every, because of cold weather.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
