The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources which has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio has convened an inter-departmental/agency group on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area.
This group will make recommendations as to the precise package of measures including any income support measures that should be put in place to assist those at risk of fuel poverty. The work is being carried out in the context of the Affordable Energy Strategy which is due to be finalised for Government consideration by the end of June 2010. This will allow for any proposed measures to be implemented when the heating season starts again at the end of September 2010.