Standard content for Members only
To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.
If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.
An energy brokering pilot in Northern Ireland is aiming to cut fuel poverty. The Consumer Council is working with charity Bryson Energy, Fold Housing Association and Derry City Council to try and lower prices for households, particularly for heating oil.
Bryson staff will visit Fold residents to give energy efficiency and benefits advice as well as trying to find them a cheaper deal on energy.
If the pilot, set to run for six months, is successful, it could be rolled out across Northern Ireland.
Laurence Arbuckle of Bryson Energy said: “Energy brokering and community buying is already well established in England, resulting in reduced energy prices. Bryson Energy is keen to explore any mechanism which can help householders in Northern Ireland reduce their costs while maintaining comfort levels in their homes.”
Aodhan O’Donnell, director of policy for the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, said: “The Consumer Council research on energy brokering gives us confidence in the potential of this project. With over 40% of people in Northern Ireland in fuel poverty it is vital that practical steps are taken to address this crisis. Any measure which has the potential to reduce energy costs at a time when so many households are struggling is good news.”
Please login or Register to leave a comment.