3 Dec 2009

Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009 has warned that levels of fuel poverty are expected to increase in Northern Ireland as improvements in energy efficiency are negated by increasing fuel costs.

With 70% of homes in Northern Ireland relying on oil for heating, and oil prices soaring even more than prices for other fuel, the region has been hit particularly hard in recent months.  

The number of people dying as a result of cold has increased steadily in Northern Ireland since 2003. There was a 23% increase in the number of people dying in the winter of 2008, compared to the winter of 2007. Excess winter deaths are now approaching 1,000 per year in Northern Ireland.

Following IPH’s All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health in 2007, and Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2008, this report presents some of the island’s significant developments in policy, research, economics and the activities of the statutory, community and voluntary sectors during the past year.

IPH Chief Executive, Dr Jane Wilde stated: “The current economic downturn presents a formidable challenge to tackling 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.”

The most recent figure for fuel poverty in Northern Ireland shows a rate of 34% of households living in fuel poverty in 2006, though estimates for early 2009 suggest that this figure may have increased to 44%.

The report shows a high level of activity on fuel poverty in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, stemming from a pattern of rising fuel poverty rates in recent years combined with the economic downturn and a period of severe cold last winter.

The report states that 2009 was “a prolific year for public consultations, reviews of policy and partnership building involving Governments, State agencies, local authorities and voluntary organisations. The role of utility regulators expanded with increased attention on protecting the rights of vulnerable customers.”
 
In Northern Ireland this is reflected in the review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy, the launch of the Warmer Homes Scheme, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s rural fuel poverty initiative and a number of specific fuel poverty initiatives undertaken by National Energy Action.

The report co-author Professor Christine Liddell, University of Ulster, said: “The economic downturn is placing more people at risk of fuel poverty, as unemployment and dependency on welfare benefits rises.”

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.”

International and national evidence continues to demonstrate the impact of fuel poverty on health and well-being. Newly published studies confirm that these impacts extend across the lifespan, and are not confined to senior citizens.

Access Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009 here

Notes to Editors
Further Information
Gráinne Walsh, Stratagem: 028 9087 2800 or 0792 016 5600.
Gary McKeown, Stratagem: 028 9087 2800 or 0750 012 3400
Arlene McKay, Institute of Public Health in Ireland: 028 9069 0058 or 0773 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) was established to promote 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.