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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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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.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
20 September 2005
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
Minister affirms plan for vulnerable people
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the problems faced by vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
23 November 2004
Government launch strategy on fuel poverty
A new strategy aimed at tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland was launched today by the Government. ‘Ending Fuel Poverty: A Strategy for Northern Ireland’, through its ‘Warm Homes Scheme’, aims to eradicate fuel poverty “for all vulnerable groups and those who live in social housing by 2010 and in non-vulnerable households by 2016”.
Government launch strategy on fuel poverty
A new strategy aimed at tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland was launched today by the Government. ‘Ending Fuel Poverty: A Strategy for Northern Ireland’, through its ‘Warm Homes Scheme’, aims to eradicate fuel poverty “for all vulnerable groups and those who live in social housing by 2010 and in non-vulnerable households by 2016”.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Staying dry with clear periods at first then cloudier skies edging in overnight with patchy mist and hill fog. Turning chilly where skies remain clear. A light southerly breeze. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
