Fuel costs leaving tens of thousands in difficulty, says report

Tens of thousands of families face severe difficulties paying the soaring cost of home heating and fuel bills, a report revealed today.

A survey warned 144,171 homes experienced fuel poverty as far back as 2005 and the country’s lowest earners were forced to spend around 13% of disposal income on energy.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) said the average home spent €1,767 on heat and power – around 70% more than 16 years earlier.

Experts at the agency suggested the rise in oil prices this year has driven average annual bills up to €2,100.

Brian Motherway, SEI head of industry, praised efforts made to improve energy efficiency in homes but insisted people could be doing more.

“Indicators used to measure energy efficiency also demonstrate that further significant improvements can be made through simple no cost behavioural changes in the household, leading to more efficient use of energy,” he said.

The SEI report noted sharp increases in electricity and fuel prices from June 2000 to January 2008. Household electricity doubled, kerosene rose by 78% and natural gas by 87%.

The SEI report also warned that while energy efficiency increased by 15% from 1995 to 2006, electricity use has soared by a significant 62% from 1990 to 2006.

On an international level, Irish energy use per household was way above the average.

Compared to the UK, Irish consumers use 27% more, while it is 31% above the EU-15 average and 36% above the EU-27 average.

Ireland is also well above the UK and EU average for electricity and CO2 emissions from homes.