Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 59: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent finding of the fuel poverty action research report on the effectiveness of domestic energy efficient programmes that the warmer homes scheme has had no noticeable effect on fuel use, emissions, poverty, comfort or health; if he has commissioned any other reports into whether it is value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16662/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Fuel Poverty Action Research Report involved an ex-post assessment of the energy, environmental, thermal comfort and health benefits of the Warmer Homes Scheme, which retrofits low income private homes with insulation and other energy saving measures. The research was carried out between 2007 and 2009 and predates the increased funding and activity under the Scheme. The study was based on a sample of 600 households. Interviews were carried out in 348 homes in Cork and 252 homes in Donegal. Households were surveyed prior to energy efficiency measures being installed and surveyed again following the installation of these measures.

The Report concludes that the Warmer Homes Scheme has been effective stating that "The research has found that the Warmer Homes Scheme has had a significant impact on reducing fuel poverty". The Report also concludes that the programme has had demonstrable impact in the sample group as evidenced by a significant decline in the number of households reporting difficulty in being able to afford to heat their home in winter. It also reports a significant decline in the proportion of households not using rooms in their home because of lack of heat or having difficulty in paying their utility bills on time.

The Report is not a complete evaluation of the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS). However, it makes a useful contribution to understanding of the various dimensions of fuel poverty and endorses the value and efficacy of the scheme. The primary goal of the WHS is to alleviate fuel poverty, with additional positive impacts in terms of overall energy demand reduction. The study measured the fuel poverty impact in several ways and finds clear evidence of positive impacts.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has carried out its own internal cost benefit analysis of the current Warmer Homes programme. SEAI's analysis confirms that energy savings are achieved as well as the primary goal of fuel poverty alleviation. SEAI concludes that the economic value of the energy savings is greater than the programme costs. I am satisfied that the programme is having a positive economic impact even before placing an economic value on its fuel poverty alleviation and health impacts.