Press release
We need to act now to tackle winter fuel bills.
1 August 2008. Late summer is upon us, and it's tempting not to think about the winter. However, the recent 22% gas price rise will have sent a chill down the spine of many of us who are already facing steep fuel bills.
Manx Gas has explained that gas prices are tied to world oil prices. Current projections within the oil industry anticipate that prices will remain high over the next few years, due to increasing production costs, rising world demand and limited supplies. This has been exacerbated by speculation on the world markets.
Transition Isle of Man are urging everyone to take action now, to insulate themselves from the effects of this current price hike. Transition IOM were formed last year to work to find ways for the Island to reduce its dependence upon imported fossil fuels.
“We need to improve the energy performance of all Manx homes,” said Transition IOM member Alice Quayle. “No doubt individuals, government and charities are already considering measures they can take, but if action is not taken well before the weather starts to turn colder, it will be a hard winter for many people.”
“These high prices are likely to be a new long term reality rather than an unfortunate 'blip,” said Alice. “Increased winter fuel bonuses may be needed. However, if extra public or personal funds are needed to tackle the problem of high energy costs, the most efficient use of such money will be by improving home insulation and energy efficiency. This expenditure will save money every year by reducing the need for fuel and electricity.”
To find out the most effective measures you can take, you can visit the Green Centre, which has information on saving energy, insulation and renewable energy. It is between the Strand Centre, Douglas, and Shoprite, and is open Saturdays from 10am until 2pm or later. You can also check out websites such as the Energy Saving Trust, The Yellow House or Ecovation (see below).
Transition IOM would also like to see a community approach to reducing bills, such as 'energy clubs' for bulk buying hardware like solar panels, and also local classes and workshops.
However, there are some things that only organisations and governments can tackle quickly and effectively, and not all households an afford to undertake more expensive works by themselves.
The Manx government has done much work already – for instance, setting up a team to specifically look at climate change and energy security issues. The winter fuel bonuses here are more generous than in the UK, the DLGE housing stock has been upgraded to make it easier to keep warm, and there is a home energy improvements grants system – although this is open to homeowners only.
Transition IOM have expressed our views to government on the best ways forward and we fully support actions that are being considered which:
Extend the home energy efficiency grants scheme to those in private rented accommodation, as at present they fall outside the system. Increased home insulation grants from 50% to 100% for those recognized as suffering from fuel poverty. Create an energy advice centre in Douglas, staffed by qualified people, as soon as possible. Train charity volunteers and health workers so they can pass on tips about energy efficiency and the assistance available while out and about.
Other initiatives that TIOM feel would make a significant impact are:
Implement an 'Energy Doctor' service -making home visits to make simple energy saving improvements for those not nimble enough to get into the loft, use a step ladder to change a light bulb or expert enough to do the DIY themselves - they could also help with arranging larger work. Include woodstoves as eligible for grants (local wood is nearly carbon-neutral). Commissioners housing being improved could have woodstoves installed rather than have the open fires blocked up. Increased energy-related training and accreditation for building and heating professionals.
“Measures such as these are a stitch in time to ensure people have a warm healthy winter,” said Alice. “None of us want to see anyone going cold or going without to pay their energy bills, and there's no point waiting to act until people start to get their bills and ringing their MHKs.
“High fuel prices are here to stay and if we are to head off this problem next year and for the foreseeable future we need to insulate our homes to a high standard to make sure we are not wasting energy. We also need to generate our energy from renewable sources under our control.
“Reducing the need for imported fuel is also good for the Manx economy by helping to keep down inflation, and so costs for everyone. Using less fuel reduces CO2 emissions, so is good for the climate (and people elsewhere) as well as for us on the Island.”
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For more information on Transition Isle of Man, contact Alice Quayle on 07624 307842 or Janet Lees on 01624 823253, or email transitioniom@mac.com
For useful local contacts and other energy-saving resources, click here.