merrion street

Sunday 27 November

 The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pat Rabbitte TD, today published

which sets out a vision for improving the affordability of energy for low-income households; ensuring that people can live in a warm and comfortable home that enhances the quality of their lives and supports good physical and mental health.

Minister Rabbitte commented “While the Government faces difficult economic decisions in the coming weeks, we can’t forget those most in need – particularly as we face into another winter.  We need a strategy that prioritises what can be done to protect low-income households.’

The strategy was developed by the inter-Departmental Group on Affordable Energy and includes 47 actions that will be implemented over the life of the strategy. Key highlights include:

• the introduction of minimum thermal efficiency standards for all properties offered for rent,
• reviewing the National Fuel and Household Benefits Schemes so see how we can target cash supports effectively and prioritise colder homes
• Achieving economies and harnessing community effort by the introduction of an area-based approach to mitigating energy poverty.

The Minister added “This is not something we will achieve overnight. The Programme for Government was clear that we needed a new way of thinking about the whole issue of energy poverty.  The publication of this strategy marks a hugely important milestone in ensuring that we protect those most vulnerable in our society in a coordinated, cohesive and effective way.”

Importantly, the strategy also introduces a new approach to measuring energy poverty, which will help target at-risk households. The strategy will be implemented and monitored by the members of Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy who will prioritise five work packages in the coming months (thermal efficiency standards, energy suppliers, area-based approach, data and information, and communication).

For further information 086 2459679

Notes for Editors

A photograph of the Minister visiting a newly retrofitted home while launching the strategy today  is being sent separately to photo desks. 

A Press launch is being held at the Department’s offices at 3PM this afternoon.  

 The strategy has developed by the Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy (IDGAE), which was established in the summer of 2008 to serve as the key coordinating body in this area.

The IDGAE is chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and includes the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Taoiseach, Environment, Community and Local Government, Social Protection, Health, and Children, in addition to the Commission for Energy Regulation, SEAI, ESB Electric Ireland, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, the Energy Poverty Coalition and Bord Gáis.

The strategy can be downloaded from the following address: