The Government has launched a new nationwide public information campaign – 'Reduce Your Use' – to promote and encourage efficiency and to highlight the range of supports that are available to households and businesses.
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Emerging from the pandemic, international social and economic activity has ramped up demands on energy across the globe. In addition to the urgent humanitarian crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought about new energy challenges – right across Europe.
This has resulted in significant increases in the price of oil and natural gas which has, in turn, led to higher retail prices for petrol, diesel, heating oil, gas and electricity – not just in Ireland, but internationally.
In response, the Government has introduced a suite of measures over recent months – to assist households and businesses in coping with higher energy costs.
The initial phase of the public information campaign will run for the next four weeks, with ads running in print, on radio and across social media. The campaign will be phased over the coming year, tailored for different seasons, activities and energy demands.
The campaign has a mobilising message that people can take actions in their own homes, and together reduce the impact of rising energy costs and wider international energy challenges.
The advice targets four key areas:
• Heating: Use timers and thermostats to heat your home and hot water when you need and to the temperature you
eed
• Appliances: Use cookers, tumble dryers, washing machines, showers and kettles efficiently and where possible outside peak hours of 4-
pm
• Travel: Avoid use of the car for short journeys; consider walking, cycling or public transport where
vailable
• Driving: Drive at lower speeds, where safe and practical, to reduce your fuel use
The campaign will also highlight the range of Government financial supports for households and businesses.
These supports include:
• 80% grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which will save the average house approximately €300 from the first year
• €200 (including VAT) as a credit for all domestic electricity accounts
• A reduction in VAT from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October, leading to estimated savings of €32 (electricity) and €11 (gas) on an average bill over six months
• A reduction to zero of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy on electricity bills, leading to estimated savings of €59 from October of this year
• An Excise Duty reduction on fuel – 20c/L for petrol; 15c/L for diesel; 4.7c/L for marked gas oil / green diesel
• An increase in the Fuel Allowance of €355 – equating to €5/week, plus additional payments totalling €225
• An €8 million support fund for hauliers, providing €100 for each lorry for eight weeks
• Plus a committed €20 million in supports – for solar PV (Photo Voltaic) panels for households that have a high reliance on electricity for medical reasonsÄ. ■