What Is Fuel Poverty?
We’ve looked at fuel poverty before, but as it continues to grow, let’s take a deeper look into what it is and what we have been doing to prevent it in the homes of some of the most vulnerable.
In a nutshell, a household is categorised as one being in fuel poverty if they have required fuel costs above average. And if due to fuel costs, they are left with a residual income below the official poverty line.
At-Risk Properties and People
Tenants who cannot heat their homes effectively are at risk of adverse health conditions and put added strain on their mental health. Research shows that residents living in poorly heated homes are at high risk of an array of severe health conditions. Some of these include high blood pressure, pneumonia, and hypothermia. Tenants with pre-existing health conditions are at risk of their illnesses getting worse if a property falls below a specific temperature.
Poor heating can increase the likelihood of damp and condensation, encouraging the growth of mould. If left untreated, mould can affect both the health of a resident and the property's stability. This can lead to enormous costs for housing providers if not managed. Mould is very serious and can put additional strain on struggling tenants, leaving them vulnerable to respiratory conditions and allergies while damaging the property.
How Do We Know When a Home is at Risk?
If a property has an average household temperature of below 16°C, it is classified as a property at risk of fuel poverty. Groups that are vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and anyone with a pre-existing health condition, are susceptible to low temperatures. This means they are put at greater risk of ill-health or, sadly, even fatality if exposed to extensive fuel poverty.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) places property temperatures into the following categories:
Below 13°- The tenant is at risk for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure.
14-15° - The tenant is likely to have a diminished immune system.
18-21° - The tenant is the recommended UK temperature for rooms that are occupied.
Devastatingly, the UK ranks among the highest excess winter mortality rates in Northern Europe, coupled with ever-rising fuel costs.
So, How Can We Prevent Fuel Poverty?
Our experience coupled with hard evidence shows that technology is a highly effective tool when it comes to combatting rising fuel poverty. At iOpt, our implementation of intelligent technologies across a broader range of properties has helped optimise energy usage and reduce fuel costs for tenants. These technologies learn the internal conditions, sending essential data to asset managers who can then take necessary action.
Our smart devices are installed in the homes of some of the most vulnerable and detect a number of factors, including fuel poverty. Data is accessible to the tenant and is also sent to the social housing manager(s). Being able to assess what’s going on in a home has a host of benefits, including potentially reduced heating bills and fewer maintenance call outs.
To find out more about what we do at iOpt, click here.
