Those most at-risk of energy poverty least likely to shop around

Paper says focus on switching suppliers not working for those in energy poverty

Current regulatory focus on encouraging consumers to save money by switching energy suppliers is not working for those in energy poverty. Photograph: PA
Current regulatory focus on encouraging consumers to save money by switching energy suppliers is not working for those in energy poverty. Photograph: PA

Households experiencing energy poverty are less likely to shop around for energy suppliers, a Government consultation paper on energy affordability has found.

The paper, entitled Towards a New Affordable Energy Strategy for Ireland and published today says the current regulatory focus on encouraging consumers to save money by switching energy suppliers is not working for those in energy poverty.

Minister for Energy, Alex White said he was "particularly concerned" that people experiencing, or at risk of, energy poverty were not getting these benefits.

A person is considered to be energy poor if they are unable to heat or power their home to an adequate degree.

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Submissions are being invited on the paper until February 27th. Email: affordable.energy@dcenr.ie.