SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Mark H Durkan has commended Firmus Energy for providing a 21% price drop for thousands of customers across the North.
Mr Durkan said the reduction, effective of April this year, is welcome news for areas with high levels of fuel poverty such as Derry.
He has called upon the Department for Communities to follow suit in their efforts to tackle fuel poverty here.
Said the Foyle MLA: “This substantial price drop, is positive news for Firmus customers.
“Households within the Ten Towns network area are expected to benefit from a saving of up to £135 per year.
“This will be a welcome and indeed crucial move for areas where fuel poverty levels are high, particularly in my own constituency of Foyle who are included in this initiative.
“Additionally, the roll-out of gas installations by Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in conjunction with scheduled window replacement schemes for their properties, means that many of our most vulnerable individuals and families are set to benefit from more efficient and affordable heating within their homes.”
Mr Durkan added: “Of course while it is commendable that the Housing Executive and local businesses are making efforts to tackling fuel poverty here, we must now see that effort matched by the Department for Communities.
“Last year, the department’s Affordable Warmth Scheme for low-income households (delivered in partnership with the NIHE) placed a moratorium on non-urgent applications as a result of budgetary constraints.
“To my knowledge there has been little progress to date; in response to my Assembly question on the matter Minister Hargey said that whilst discussions where ongoing, budget allocations to the scheme had not been confirmed.
“In order to eradicate fuel poverty, we need a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to ensure that not only can people afford to heat their homes but that properties are updated to guarantee energy efficiency.”
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