A public consultation has begun on a new fuel poverty strategy to replace the previous one published 13 years ago.
The 12 week consultation period on an already published draft strategy is the latest step in a process that began just over two years ago.
Government estimates from 2022 suggest approximately 25% of households, around 190,000, are living in some type fuel poverty as they spend a high proportion to keep homes at a reasonable temperature.
Income, fuel costs and energy consumption all have an affect.
In the same year, a National Energy Action survey found a much higher number of households impacted, at least 45%.
Launching the consultation, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the strategy will set out “a long-term plan for ensuring everyone can live in a warm, healthy home”.
Mr Lyons said: “My vision is of a warm, healthy home for everyone in Northern Ireland. As I said when I announced the Housing Supply Strategy, that goes beyond bricks and mortar.
“We want to make homes more energy efficient and make lasting improvements for consumers.
“To ensure that we prioritise long-term, sustainable solutions, this consultation also outlines proposals for a new and more ambitious energy efficiency scheme for low-income, vulnerable households.”
Factors impacting on fuel poverty include the energy efficiency of homes, the energy needs of the household, the cost of energy, household income and people’s ability to access energy solutions that are right for them, the department said.
The department said the draft strategy “builds on information gathered though an extensive stakeholder engagement process and sets out key priorities and actions for government”.
The consultation runs until March 6 next year and details can be found at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-new-fuel-poverty-strategy-northern-ireland
