Conference 2014
Introduction
Energy Action held its fourth annual Fuel Poverty Conference in Dublin on 6th October 2014.
The title of the conference was “Fuel Poverty in Ireland – an Integrated New Approach”. The aim of the conference was to provide a forum for those working in the area of fuel poverty to share key information, experience and perspectives in order to identify lasting solutions to the issue. The Conference reviewed current policy and best practice with regard to fuel poverty / energy affordability in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, Europe and indeed worldwide.
Over the course of the conference emphasis was placed on the multifaceted nature of fuel poverty and the urgent need for an integrated, partnership approach in tackling the issue. The importance of joined-up action was stressed, involving policy makers, local authorities, regulators, community based organisations, energy companies, health experts, social researchers, building practitioners and the various agencies supporting vulnerable people.
The need to address the three variables of fuel poverty – energy efficiency, income and fuel prices – in an integrated and targeted way was discussed as well as the difficulties in identifying those living in fuel poverty. There was a strong focus on the significant health impacts of fuel poverty on the fuel poor.
The important role played by Community Based Organisations in helping to reduce fuel poverty through their delivery of a quality service to the most vulnerable in their local areas was also highlighted.
Presentation 2014
Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources (video address)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OBLIGATIONS UTILITIES MEETING TARGETS (SPECIFICALLY RELATING TO THE FUEL POOR)
Jim-Dollard Executive Director, Electric Ireland , – “The Energy Company’s Role”
Fiona-Hannon Regulation Manager, SSE Airtricity, – “Tackling Fuel Poverty”.
David Kriwan, Chief Operating Officer, BGE, – “Efficiency Obligations and The Fuel Poor
THE LONG TERM SOLUTIONS TO FUEL POVERTY
Simon-Roberts CE Centre for Sustainable Energy, UK- “Housing, Health and Human Beings: lessons from the UK on the challenges of establishing an integrated approach to fuel poverty”
Professor-Christine-Liddell, Professor of Psychology & Distinguished Community Fellow, University of Ulster- “Long-term solutions for people in deep fuel poverty: the role of partnership working”
Oliver-Rapf Director BPIE, Belgium – “Study: energy efficiency can provide long-term answers to fuel poverty”
Norman-Kerr Director Energy Action, Scotland – “Learning from U.K. Expertise/Lessons on solutions to fuel poverty”
WORKSHOPS
ENERGY BILL PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR FUEL POOR
Cathy-Mannion Director of the CER’s Energy Retail and Water division- Smart meters; “Tariff benefits for Fuel Poor choosing the right supplier?
HOME HEATING CHALLENGES FOR THE FUEL POOR
Robert-Thornton Researcher at The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice – Study of three Household Types; “How much does it cost to heat a home?”
Maria-Mileder SVP, Conference Member
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING FOR THE FUEL POOR
Nick-Sheward Clúid’s Asset and Repairs Manager- “A Warm Welcome: An evidence-based strategy for tackling fuel poverty among Clúid Housing Association tenants”
Simon McGuinness, Lecturer at the School of Architecture, DIT- “Do it once: do it right! A technical appraisal of the potential of nZEB retrofit of social housing
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Richard-Sherlock, Business Development Manager Daikin -“Heating Cost effective heating for social housing”.
Neill Ryan, CEO, VRM Technology Ltd – “Refurbify: Virtual Retrofit Manager”
ENERGY POLICY IN IRELAND – STIMULATING INVESTMENT IN RETROFIT INVESTMENT & IN RETROFIT PROGRAMMES FOR SOCIAL HOUSING
St John O’Connor ,, Dept. Of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources – “Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland 2014-2030”
Seán-Armstrong, Principal Adviser, Architecture and Building Standards, DECLG, – “Investment in LA Housing Stock”
Fintan Smythe, Building Physics Manager Gyproc ISOVER – “Valuing Energy Efficiency”
EUROPEAN PROJECTS
Michael-Hanratty, Managing Director IHER & Richard Cantwell, Vice President at IRLOGI; Senior GIS Consultant / Technical Manager at Gamma Ltd – IEE EPISCOPE project: “The use of mapping for dwelling retrofit planning and fuel poverty analysis”
Marilyn-Smith Creative Director at The ENERGY ACTION Project, France – “EnAct’s aims specific to the fuel poverty issue”