This strategy will impact upon every energy commodity in Northern Ireland from power station, to building, to vehicle. However, as a fuel poverty and energy efficiency campaigning charity, NEA NI will be specifically focussing on the key considerations for domestic housing stock and low-income householders.

Urgent action is needed to improve health outcomes and support the most vulnerable people who are at most risk of needless death and morbidity. Public Health England (PHE) recently warned there is a clear overlap between cold homes and Covid-19 and it is more important than ever that the most vulnerable members of society can afford to live in a warm, safe home.

The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) plays a fundamental role in providing vital information, advice and advocacy for all consumers in Northern Ireland, with a focus on vulnerable consumers. This work has great importance for NEA and many organisations throughout Northern Ireland, both strategically and operationally, and we welcome the opportunity to respond to this Draft Corporate Plan 2021–2022.

NEA’s response to Ofwat’s consultation on their forward programme for 2021/22 outlines four key areas of focus.

NEA NI works closely with the Utility Regulator across many aspects of work, but especially in relation to consumers and policy development, also with the view to empowering consumers and communities. We have made some comments around the objectives in the draft Forward Work Programme and have made some suggestions, which we hope are helpful on priority projects, which we believe may enhance the Forward Work Programme 2021–22.

NEA’s Response to the Ofgem Consultation on their Forward Work Programme 2021/23 Gas Levy. NEA believes that Ofgem should provide clarity on the actions they will take in the next year of their consumer vulnerability strategy.

NEA’s Response to the BEIS Consultation on Improving home energy performance through lenders. While NEA agrees with the need to move towards Green Mortgages, there are significant risks to fuel poor households that need to be fully understood. These can be mitigated by a generous exemption mechanism.

NEA’s Response to the Ofgem FPNES Governance Drafting Consultation. NEA fully supports the Fuel Poverty Network Extension Scheme, and is pleased that it will continue until 2026. In order for the scheme to reach its full potential, Ofgem must require installers to adhere to licence obligations around treating customers fairly, and give adequate advice to households.

NEA’s response to Ofwat’s consultation on the role of customer engagement in the next price review, PR24.