Joint Civil Society Submission to Energy Poverty Action Plan

Friends of the Earth, along with 19 other civil society organisations from various sectors across social justice, environment and housing, has collectively developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for a revised government Energy Poverty Action Plan. This collaborative effort underscores the necessity for an ambitious and cohesive government strategy to eradicate energy poverty in Ireland, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a fossil fuel-free society.The key recommendations proposed by the 20 civil society organisations include:

1. Overarching Vision for a new Energy Poverty Action Plan: The plan should have a stated aim, that by 2026, no one in Ireland is deprived of basic energy needs, regardless of their socio-economic status.
2. Alignment with Climate Goals: Integrate the plan with Ireland’s legal commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030. Climate justice must be emphasised to prevent widening existing inequalities.
3. Long-term Structural Solutions: Focus on sustainable, long-term solutions rather than short-term, untargeted policies. Address issues like income inadequacy, home energy inefficiency, and high energy costs.
4. Adopt EU Definition of Energy Poverty: Transpose the EU definition of energy poverty into national law immediately. Set enforceable, measurable, and time-bound indicators to reduce energy deprivation.
5. Statutory Whole-of-Government Approach: Place the Energy Poverty Action Plan on a statutory footing to ensure coordinated action across all government departments and agencies, enhancing accountability and commitment.
6. Rights-Based Approach: Ensure that the perspectives of those most impacted by energy deprivation are included at every stage of the plan’s development and implementation. Expand the Energy Poverty Steering Group to include civil society representatives and individuals with lived experience.
7. Enhanced Research and Monitoring: Invest in research on energy poverty, including health impacts and the quality of housing. Establish robust indicators to monitor the plan’s success.
8. Improved Communication and Support: Develop community energy advisors to provide face-to-face support for households transitioning to lower carbon energy use. Improve communication strategies to effectively convey the benefits of retrofitting and energy conservation at a local level.
9. Support for Retrofitting: Implement a multi-annual strategy for retrofitting social housing, with clear targets and budget allocations. Provide better support and funding for social housing providers to enhance renovation skills and resources.
10. Integration of Renewable Energy: Prioritise measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for vulnerable groups. Support community-led renewable energy projects and provide incentives for renewable energy solutions in community housing projects.
11. Support for the Private Rental Sector: Introduce minimum energy performance standards and provide incentives for landlords to improve energy efficiency in rental properties. Expand eligibility for free energy upgrades to include tenants receiving the Housing Assistance Payment.
12. Addressing Income Inadequacy: Ensure all social protection payments are above the poverty line and indexed to inflation. Expand the eligibility for the Fuel Allowance and explore the introduction of an Energy Guarantee Scheme.