Republican News · Thursday 28 March 2002

MP discusses fuel poverty

Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone and Deputy Chairperson of the Social Development Statutory Committee, last week met with Phoenix Natural Gas at their offices in Belfast to discuss the ongoing problem of fuel poverty and for an update on their work in this area.

"There are a number of schemes in place to help eradicate fuel poverty yet almost one third of households in the Six Counties are at risk, with official estimates as high as 170,000 homes," she told An Phoblacht.

"Reasons for fuel poverty stem from a combination of high energy prices, a lack of energy efficiency measures, low incomes and dependence on uneconomic fuels and inefficient heating systems."

Gildernew said that Phoenix Natural Gas has been concentrating its efforts on tackling fuel affordability for those on lower incomes, introducing an initiative 'Winter Room Heating Initiative' whereby they will provide and install 1,000 room heaters, free of charge, to eligible households.

"This initiative applies to area where natural gas is available.Unfortunately, this will not benefit fuel poverty in my own constituency," she said. "Under the Warm Homes Scheme, managed by EAGA Partnership Ltd and based in Dungannon, houses are being fitted with insulation, draught proofing and modern heating systems dependent upon individual needs. For the first time over 60s will receive a grant of up to £2,700 to install insulation and central heating if they are on certain incomes related benefits - effectively providing them with a free heating system."