2 in 3 IRISH HOUSEHOLDS SUFFERING FROM ENERGY FUEL POVERTY

MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2019

2 in 3 IRISH HOUSEHOLDS SUFFERING FROM ENERGY FUEL POVERTY

A survey of 1,500 Irish households has found that 2 in 3 are suffering from energy ‘fuel poverty’. Fuel poverty is universally defined as a household spending over 10% of its income on energy costs.

Exclusive of taxes, Ireland has the second highest electricity prices in the EU[1]. This survey has revealed the toll these prices are having on households right around the country.

The survey was conducted by Ireland’s biggest consumer network; One Big Switch in response to the energy price crisis. When asked about the effect the high cost of energy has had on their homes;

·1 in 3 households declared themselves facing ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ energy bill stress,

·1 in 4 said they didn’t run heaters this winter, even when it made them uncomfortable, and

·5% of households are so fuel poor, they’re spending over 40% of income on energy costs

3 in 4 people from every county in Ireland, varying in age from 21 to 90 and household sizes of 1 – 6+ took the survey showing the effect of fuel poverty is hitting many different families.

What’s most alarming about the results of the survey isn’t so much the number of people suffering from fuel poverty, but more the fact so many are doing so needlessly.

The survey revealed that 60% of people are ‘not receiving a discount’ or ‘don’t know if they are’ and just 5% are receiving discounts in excess of 20%, despite these being widely available in the market.

One Big Switch Director of Campaigns; David Liston today commented on the findings of the survey;

“The majority of homes in Ireland are suffering from energy fuel poverty. Something that would have been unimaginable when the definition was first coined. However, the fact of the matter is, they are.

“What’s saddening is that it doesn’t have to be this way. People need to stop accepting high energy prices as par for the course and do something about it themselves.

“3 of the top 4 energy retailers in the market are offering discounts of over 20%, yet just 5% of the population are availing of them. People need to switch to discounted offers now”.

“Whether people switch through a comparison site, One Big Switch or directly through a retailer doesn’t matter to us. What does matter is that they get active and switch. Apathy doesn’t pay.”

Joining One Big Switch is entirely cost and obligation free. Consumers who wish to join can visit www.onebigswitch.ie. Current offers are market leading and are available for a strictly limited time.

***Local Families who have joined the campaign are available as case studies***

 MEDIA ENQUIRIES: David Liston EMAIL: David@onebigswitch.com - PHONE: 086 393 5073