Fuel poverty
From Swikipedia
Introduction
A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to maintain a satisfactory heating regime (usually 21 degrees for the main living area, and 18 degrees for other occupied rooms).
Brief Description
The “Fuel poverty ratio” is defined as:
Fuel poverty ratio = fuel costs (usage x price) ÷ income
In the calculation of this ratio, the fuel usage is modelled, to ensure the household achieves the satisfactory heating regime. Therefore, if the dwelling is actually heated to a temperature below the level defined as being satisfactory, the estimated bill for that household will be higher than the actual bill and vice versa.
In addition to space heating, the fuel costs component also includes modelled spending on energy for water heating, lights and appliances and cooking.
Whether a household is in fuel poverty or not is determined by the interaction of a number of factors, but three specifically stand out. These are:
The energy efficiency status of the property
The cost of energy
Household income
Causes of Fuel Poverty:
Fuel Poverty is caused by a convergence of four factors:
• Low income, which is often linked to absolute poverty
• High fuel prices, including the use of relatively expensive fuel sources (such as electricity, aggravated by higher tariffs for low-volume energy users)
• Poor energy efficiency of a home, eg. through low levels of insulation and old or inefficient heating systems
• Uder-occupancy: according to UK government statistics, on average those in the most extreme fuel poverty live in larger than average homes
The most effective way of combating fuel poverty, if one excludes forcible rehousing, is to target energy efficiency measures on homes typically occupied by those on low incomes. A home with a very low energy requirement to provide adequate warmth can generally be occupied by those on relatively low incomes without leading to fuel poverty. The sharp rise in fuel prices from 2006-08 has led to an estimated doubling of the numbers in fuel poverty in countries where it is a major problem.
A number of illnesses, including cancer can exacerbate fuel poverty.
Tackling Fuel Poverty
Reducing gas emissions and tackling fuel poverty are both possible by retrofitting old buildings to improve energy performance. Besides, the other ways of tackling fuel poverty comprise of the various schemes being launched by governments of different countries. These schemes include reducing fuel prices, providing benefits of free electricity to certain group of people, tax benefits etc.
References:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/fuel-poverty/index.html
