This is defined as a household which has required fuel costs that are above average and, if they spend that amount on fuel, they would be left with an income below the official poverty line.
Our definition of a vulnerable household in fuel poverty is one which has young children or with at least one elderly or disabled person or a person classed as long-term sick.
To maintain an adequate standard of warmth, a house should generally be 21°C in the living room and 18°C in the other rooms.
Causes and effects of fuel poverty
The main causes of fuel poverty are a combination of factors:
- fuel costs
- poor energy efficiency in the home
- household income
- poor health
- under occupancy
- poor education and lack of awareness.
