From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
As part of the government’s Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm and Well campaign, Professor Aoife Foley and her team of energy systems experts at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a user-friendly graphic to help with budgeting for energy use this festive period. This visual aid seeks to help people make informed decisions on how to manage their own energy usage safely over the Christmas period, whilst enjoying time with family and friends.
Professor Foley said:
“With more time spent at home over the Christmas period, energy costs can mount quickly over the period. We want people to enjoy Christmas, but also to provide them with knowledge and advice on their consumption and costs. That is why we developed the user-friendly visual guide. By highlighting the energy cost of certain appliances, in tandem with advice on how to reduce energy consumption, we are empowering people to make informed decisions on how they can reduce their use where it is safe and possible to do so, while also keeping more money in their pocket. But staying warm and well over the Christmas period must be the priority for everyone.”
Speaking about other costs in addition to the Christmas dinner, Professor Foley said:
“Over the festive period energy bills for households could exceed €200, which includes everyday home activities such as electric showers, using your dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, boiling your kettle and cooking dinner. However, the biggest cost on a daily basis is having central heating on for 5 hours, which costs approximately €11.40 per day. Turning your heating thermostat to about 19°C, servicing your boiler, checking that no air is trapped in your radiators, and using the correct time or volume setting to heat the water you need means you can save immediately.”
This advice follows on from the Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm and Well booklet delivered to households nationwide as part of the national campaign launched earlier this year. It gives further practical advice on how to reduce energy use for central heating systems and large electrical appliances, as well as guiding people to immediate supports and advice to help manage the cost of energy, available from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), MABS and ALONE.
The Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm and Well campaign is led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in collaboration with key partners including SEAI, the CRU, ALONE, MABS and the Department of Social Protection. It is part of the government’s response to the unprecedented challenge facing families, households, and businesses due to rising energy costs.
For more advice on how to lower your energy use and to get information on the supports and services available to cope with higher energy costs, check out: the Reduce Your Use campaign page.
ENDS
A special ‘Budgeting for your energy use this festive period’ graphic is available on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website.
To arrange media interviews with Professor Aoife Foley, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast; or representatives from key partners including SEAI, CRU, Alone and/or MABS; please contact: Danny Hanley by email at dhanley@kano.ie or by phone at 086-1759286.
You can read Professor Aoife Foley's bio at: the Queen's University Belfast website.
The Reduce Your Use, Stay Warm and Well campaign is led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with key partners including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), ALONE, MABS and the Department of Social Protection. It is part of the government’s response to the unprecedented challenge facing families, households, and businesses due to rising energy costs.
Through Budget 2023, Government has introduced a range of supports to lessen the financial impact on families, households and businesses. Supports available include a €600 electricity credit to all Irish households. Information on the various supports, and advice for individuals and businesses on managing/reducing energy bills, go to gov.ie/ReduceYourUse.
The SEAI, Ireland's national sustainable energy authority, is a leading partner of the campaign. It works with householders, businesses, communities and Government.
Susan Andrews, Communications Manager, SEAI, said:
"We are working with households right across the country to help everyone reduce their energy use, now and for good. This starts with advising householders and businesses on how to reduce their energy bills through changing habits, better practice and guidance on heating and electricity. We are also delighted to see the huge interest in our government-funded grants for home energy upgrades, helping homeowners to improve the comfort of their homes while reducing their energy bills and harmful CO2 emissions. These schemes provide options and solutions for all budgets and all levels of ambition.”
MABS, the State-funded Money Advice and Budgeting Service, is working in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on the Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm & Well campaign, and calling on people who are worried about their energy bills or are in arrears to reach out to its network of over 60 offices nationwide. Their support is free, independent, and confidential.
Karl Cronin, National Spokesperson, MABS said:
“MABS is delighted to work with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on this campaign. Christmas can be a very stressful time for households, and this year we have seen more and more people contact our offices in relation to energy bills.
“There are a number of supports available for households struggling to meet all costs and advice and information on these are available from our MABS Helpline and our network of MABS offices. No one should be left without light or heat this winter — MABS is here to help.”
ALONE works on behalf of all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Any older person who has concerns about their energy costs, finances, health, housing, or wellbeing this winter is advised to contact the organisation.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, speaks about the difficulties experienced by older people over the Christmas period, saying:
“There has been an increase in the number of calls we receive from older people who are struggling to meet their energy costs, particularly those who are reliant on solid or fossil fuels. Christmas can be a difficult time for older people, some of whom will feel isolated both emotionally and financially at this time. We want to be very clear that older people should not restrict their energy usage in ways that could impact their health in the coming days and weeks. ALONE staff and volunteers are in place nationwide and our National Support and Referral Line remains open from 8am-8pm throughout the Christmas period, including Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, and New Year’s Day, if you are experiencing difficulties relating to energy costs, isolation, or any other difficulties this winter.”