What is the effect of fuel poverty on consumers?
Fuel poverty can have serious implications on the health and well being of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and people living with disabilities or chronic illness. These groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fuel poverty for a variety of reasons including that they: Are likely to be at home for more of the day; Are more vulnerable to the health impacts of cold homes, such as respiratory illnesses; Are more likely to suffer secondary impacts of fuel poverty. For example impacts on education (for children). Children may not be able to do their homework in a cold room, so they come down and do it in the living room where the tv is on and other distractions are. Effects on older people Between 2004 and 2006 about 12 per cent of deaths of people aged 65 and over were associated with cold temperatures in the home[8]. Effects on people with disabilities According to the report, ‘In the Balance, disabled people’s experiences of debt’, cutting back on essential ite
