Charity urges low income families to increase energy efficiency of home

Living in a more energy efficient home greatly eases the burden of fuel poverty on low income families, according to new research.

The Society of Vincent de Paul believes some of its clients could save thousands of euro if their BER rating was raised to at least level B2.

Officials say energy efficiency will not lift people out of fuel poverty, but it will make a big difference.

The charity's spokesman Brendan Hennessy says the Government has cut the fuel allowance even though fuel costs have been rising.

He said: "Not only has the value of the fuel allowance reduced by €120 in the last number of years, but the price of energy has increased by 25%.

"So, while the monetary value of the fuel allowance has reduced, we all know that energy prices have increased."