19th Jan 2010: helping to address fuel poverty.
OVER 48,000 households in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area are considered to be fuel poor and 29 percent of families in the Coleraine Borough have home heating difficulties.
Fuel poverty is when a household is spending more than 10 percent of its annual income on fuel to maintain an acceptable level of temperature throughout the home and those more at risk and vulnerable to this include older people, families with young children and those with disabilities.
To help address the problem of fuel poverty, Coleraine Borough Council is running various schemes throughout the Borough. These include improvements to existing heating systems, installations of new systems, cavity wall and loft insulation, installing thermostatic radiator valves, reflective radiator panels and the provision of energy efficient light blubs. Other schemes provide cash-back on the installation of various types of insulation.
Ailish McAtamney Energy Efficiency Adviser for the Coleraine area, said; "The economic downturn is placing more people at risk of fuel poverty, as unemployment and dependency on welfare benefits rise.
"Coleraine Borough Council and DSD, in association with various organisations, have developed a programme that is specifically targeted at addressing energy inefficiencies in the homes through various mechanisms. Taking these steps could help reduce the likelihood of fuel poverty and improve your energy efficiency.
"The fuel stamp scheme organised by Council, in conjunction with the St Vincent de Paul, is still very popular throughout the Borough. The scheme allows members of the public to purchase and collect £5 stamps from participating retailers. Collected stamps will then be accepted as payment or part payment, by a wide range of fuel suppliers, against your oil bill."
For more information on grant opportunities, the oil stamp scheme and to find you’re nearest participating retailer or for general energy advice, please contact Ailish McAtamney, Energy Efficiency Adviser for the Coleraine area, telephone 7034 7171 or email Ailish.mcatamney@colerainebc.gov.uk.