NI adults 'too scared to turn on the heat' as new survey reveals extent of fuel poverty

Over 40% of adults in Northern Ireland say they are spending more than 10% of their total household expenditure on energy costs, meaning they are fuel poor, a survey has revealed.

Ahead of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, on Wednesday November 27, National Energy Action Northern Ireland (NEA NI) has said that the survey of 1,199 adults in Northern Ireland, commissioned by charity NEA NI and conducted by LucidTalk, also showed continued pressure on household budgets has led to a continued rise in detrimental "coping" mechanisms.

A quarter (27% of households) said they went without heating (oil/gas) or electricity at a point during the last 24 months because they could not afford the costs of energy. This figure rose from 19% when NEA NI last conducted the poll in September 2023.

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Respondents also said other coping mechanisms to deal with the rising energy prices and the cost of living included:

11% of survey respondents say they are currently in debt, or have been in debt in the last 24 months, to their energy supplier. This is up from 9% last year.

In response to the findings, director of NEA NI, Pat Austin said: "Our new polling shows that too many people in Northern Ireland cannot stay warm, safe and healthy at home. They are going to bed early and in coats. They are racking up debt and they are struggling. The withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment and a woefully outdated fuel poverty strategy are piling pressure onto the most vulnerable households.

"The government must act with urgency and provide emergency support ahead of winter, alongside ensuring the promised fuel poverty strategy is appropriately funded and fit for purpose."

The survey also showed that people in the private rented sector are disproportionally affected. 31% of NI respondents say that they or a member of their household’s health and wellbeing has been impacted by the rising energy prices and the cost of living. For people in the private rented sector the figure jumps to 56%.

In addition, 44% of respondents say that their quality of life has been impacted. The figure rises to 65% in the private rented sector.

Financial schemes are the most popular policies that Stormont could introduce to assist with rising energy costs. ‘Provide greater financial assistance with energy bills’ (49%) ‘Expand schemes that provide financial support to improve the energy efficiency of homes’ (51%) being the most popular ‘actions’ the NI Assembly and NI Executive could take.

Despite the serious impact of cold homes on peoples’ health, the last fuel poverty strategy for Northern Ireland was produced in 2011, well before the cost-of-living and energy crises. In 2022/23, the Winter Excess Figures were released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

There were 940 winter excess deaths, of which, according to the WHO at least one third (290) are directly attributed to people living in cold homes. The next fuel poverty strategy is due to be published in 2025.

NEA NI says it is calling for the new Fuel Poverty Strategy, due to be published in 2025, to be backed by a comprehensive funding and action plan. The charity is also calling for the establishment of a statutory fuel poverty target and minimum energy efficiency standards, especially within the private rented sector.

NEA NI added that it wants to see the introduction of an energy social tariff to support low-income and vulnerable households with unaffordable energy bills, and support for the cost of a just transition.

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