Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
40. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which his Department measures progress in reducing energy poverty; if closer alignment with the system of energy upgrades could be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50625/22]
View answerEnergy poverty is influenced by a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home and the cost of the energy they use. The ESRI recently published analysis which indicates that following the recent sharp increases in energy prices, the share of households that could be at risk of energy poverty has risen to 29.4%. This was estimated using the ‘10% of income spent on energy’ or ‘expenditure method’ measurement of energy poverty.
A research network on fuel poverty chaired by the Economic and Social Research Institute has been established to improve the measurement and monitoring of energy poverty in Ireland and provide insights that enhance policy design to protect vulnerable households. Further detail will be set out in the forthcoming Action Plan to Combat Energy Poverty.
Government also monitors progress on policies and measures being implemented to alleviate energy poverty. A review of the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty was published in August this year. The Review showed strong delivery with many of the original actions exceeded. Headline achievements include:
- A fivefold increase in retrofit budgets for lower income and local authority households;
- Significant increased average retrofit value per home under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from ~€2,500 to ~€18,750;
- Expanded eligibility for free energy upgrades to four additional at risk groups;
- Increases in level, distribution and frequency of Fuel Allowance payments as well as other social protection payments;
- Continued and improved consumer protections, including disconnection policies.
The review and the public consultation which accompanied it helped to inform the €2.5 billion package of once-off measures which was set out in Budget 2023. including:
-a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme which will credit each domestic electricity account;
- an extensive range of social protection measures to support people with the increased cost of living.
Budget 2023 also provided for:
- €337 million for home energy upgrade schemes next year including free upgrades for 6,000 homeowners at risk of energy poverty;
- Continuation of a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation;
- An additional €87 million to continue the Energy Efficiency Programme for social housing.
The new Action Plan to Combat Energy Poverty will set out the range of measures being implemented this winter, as well as key longer-term measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected. It is intended that the new plan will be published in the coming weeks.
