Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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184. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he plans to introduce in winter 2021-22 to address fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty was published in 2016. The Strategy set out several actions to alleviate the burden of energy poverty on the most vulnerable in society. The focus of the strategy was on high impact actions which aimed to make a real difference to the lives of those in energy poverty. Overall, the Government envisages expenditure in excess of €700 million in 2021 on a number of measures to support households meeting the cost of energy. Good progress has been made under the strategy including:

- Funding for SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased dramatically over the period from €15 million in 2015 to over €109 million for 2021;

- Free upgrades were carried out in over 24,000 lower income homes under the main Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) energy poverty retrofit schemes;

- The Housing for All Strategy has committed to introducing minimum Building Energy Ratings for rented properties from 2025;

- The allocations for retrofit of social housing have also increased significantly with an allocation of €65 million for 2021.

Income supports from the Department of Social Protection to help households with the costs of heating their homes have also increased. The Minister for Social Protection recently announced a budget of €292 million for the upcoming season. It will be paid for 28 weeks to an estimated 370,000 households across the State. Recipients are paid weekly rate of €28. In addition, the Minister for Social Protection also provides an electricity or gas allowance under the Household Benefits scheme at an estimated cost of €265 million in 2021. This is paid at a rate of €35 per month, 12 months of the year. The Department of Social Protection also funds an exceptional needs payment, which can include support with fuel bills in some cases. Any increases to these allowances would be subject to wider budgetary considerations.

Protections are in place for those falling into difficulty with their energy bills. Under the supplier led voluntary Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect a customer who is engaging with them. It should also be noted that data from approved price comparison websites shows that consumers can make significant savings by switching energy suppliers.

A review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be completed this year and will inform next steps in relation to the development of a new strategy.  Alleviating energy poverty will also be a key consideration for the new National Retrofit Plan which will be published later this year.