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Energy Prices and …..and the Consumer

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Fuel Poverty Definition

“A household is in fuel poverty if, in order to maintain an acceptable level of temperature throughout the home, the occupants would have to spendmore than 10% of their income on all household fuel use.”

DSD – Warmer Healthier Homes

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Fuel Poverty / Affordable Warmth Factors

IncreaseIncome

e.g. Benefit Entitlement

Check

Helps to minimise Impact of

HighEnergy Prices

Reduces EnergyCosts

Increasing theEnergy Efficiency

HighEnergy Prices

Energy Inefficiency LowIncome

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Impact on the Consumer

Indoor temperature and its effects on

health• 18-24oC, no risk to healthy people• Below 160C, diminished resistance to

respiratory infections• Below 120C, increased blood pressure and

viscosity/strain on cardiovascular system• Below 90C, after 2 or more hours, deep body

temperature falls• Below 60C, place people at risk of

hypothermia (below ‘normal’ core body temp of between 36 – 37.50C (96.8–99.5°F)

Collins KJ (1986) Op Cit.

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How cold temperatures affect health

Blood vesselsnear skin contract

Blood pressure rises

Body isstresse

d

Heart attack

or strokeImmune

function iscompromised

Infections

Prematuredeath

CL NEA Conference 2009

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Energy efficiency as part of the solution

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Energy Efficiency is

Getting the most from the energy we use

And keeping it where it is needed for as long as possible

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We don’t flick the switch on to use energy….

Lighting and appliances

19%

Water heating18%

Space heating 60%

Cooking3%

In a typical home the percentage energy use is

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For Space and Domestic Hot Water Heating

that means having an

Efficient Heating System

Energy Efficiency…..Getting the most from the energy we use

28% efficient Over 86 % efficient

?

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Energy Efficient Central Heating

Getting the most heat out of the fuel used: A or B rated boiler

Boiler Efficiency

SEDBUK:Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK

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Heating Controls also help to achieve efficiency

and maintain adequate warmth

• Living room 210C• Kitchen 180C• Bathroom 220C• Bedrooms 180C• Hall and Stairs 160C• note: these are suggested minimum temperatures

• Domestic Hot Water 600C

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Metaphorically controls have moved from this …..

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…. to this

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Typical central heating controls

• Programmer

• Room Thermostat

• Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

• Cylinder Thermostat

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Getting the most from the energy we use

means using low energy lighting

100W bulb used for 1100hours* = 110 kWh i.e. 110 units 110 units x 18.04p per unit = £19.84

*estimated annual use

That’s a saving of over £15.00 per year!

20W CFL used for 1100 hours* = 22 kWh i.e. 22 units

22 units x 18.04p per unit = £3.97 *estimated annual use

Figures based on approx 3 hours use per day for 1 year18.04p: Power NI July 2013 price of 1 unit incl vat

19Figures based on approx 3 hours use per day for 1 year

18.04p: Power NI July 2013 price of 1 unit incl vat

Going from this

To this

Could save over £60.00 per year(4 x £15.00)

LEDs – more efficient. More expensive to buy but save more

money in the long term.

Of course, the easiest way to save on your lighting bill is simply to turn off the light when you’re not using it. You will

ALWAYS save energy if you turn the light off when you leave the room, even if it’s only for a minute or two.

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For appliances getting the most out of the energy we use means replacing old appliances with energy efficient models

and we have many more appliances in our homes today than in the 1970s…..

Typical energy using products in the home over 30 years ago - 17

Typical energy using products in the home today -

over 40

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Use ‘A’ rated appliances

325kWh x 18.04pthat’s a typical running cost of£58.63 annually

Fridge-Freezer

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Energy Efficiency is alsokeeping the heat where it is needed

for as long as possible

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According to the laws of heat exchange, heat will always

move from a warm place to a colder area.

Thus a significant amount of heat in the home can be lost to a

colder outside environment

21oC

5oC

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Where the heat goes

25%

Roof

35%

Through theWalls

15%15%

Floor

15% Draughts

10% Windows

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Keeping the heat where we need itfor as long as possible?

Not Insulated Insulated

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Cavity Wall Insulation

Reduces heat loss through the walls

•Installation takes less than a day to complete

•Payback: 3 – 4 years

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Loft Insulation

Reduces heat loss through the roof•Install loft insulation to a depth of 300 mm (approx 12”) and reduce the heat loss through your roof. •Payback: about 2 years (installing 300mm from 0mm))

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Hot Water Cylinder Jacket

• One of the most cost effective measures available

• Payback: approx. 6 months

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Draught-proofing gaps around windows, doors, pipes, unused chimneys

Reduce unwanted ventilation heat loss through gaps around doors , windows, etc.•Fit draught proofing•Payback: 2 – 3 years

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Windows

Reduce the heat loss through the windows with double glazing

•Low emissivity energy efficient glass can reduce heat loss even further

•Payback: + 20 years

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A thought……

…..the cheapest unit of energy is the one we don’t use.

Contact numbers

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Bryson Energy Advice Line 0800 1422 865Warm Homes Scheme 0800 9880 559Boiler Replacement Allowance 03448 920 900Northern Exposure (Belfast) 028 9023 9909

Age NI 0808 8087 575Citizens Advice 028 9026 1970Advice NI 028 9064 5919Consumer Council 028 9067 2488

Disruption to Supply 08457 643 643

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Together we can….. ….. make a difference!