Social Protection Committee to discuss energy poverty and retrofitting with officials from the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications

Officials from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Social Protection will appear at the Committee.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said: “The high cost of electricity and heating for homes due to the volatility in the wholesale gas market has had a huge impact on the cost of living for many households. While some suppliers have announced price cuts and the Government has continued cost of living packages, the average price of gas and electricity is still more than it was before the energy crisis.”

"Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is the best way to protect vulnerable households from the effects of higher prices or income changes in the long term. Retrofitting also brings multiple other benefits, such as improved health and wellbeing and better air quality, as well as reducing our climate emissions."

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the National Retrofit Plan and what supports are needed to help households that are vulnerable to energy poverty to retrofit their homes.”

Watch the meeting live on oireachtas.ie or on the smartphone app for Apple and Android.