Objectives

• To have a clear and detailed definition of fuel poverty: this will involve analysis of the circumstances in each of the partner countries to determine the socio-economic and other factors contributing to recognition of fuel poverty as a major social problem.
• To evaluate fuel poverty : this will involve discussion and scrutiny of a range of indicators (health, socio-economics, energy &) leading to an assessment of the harmful consequences of fuel poverty ;
• To identify and gather appropriate partners in the EU in order to establish a network of those who have a common interest in the alleviation of fuel poverty ;
• To identify best practice: in each partner country. Case studies will consider:
  • energy efficiency improvements to social housing
  • domestic energy saving strategies
  • new and existing technologies to achieve energy savings and increased comfort
  • financial tools (such as grants and discounts to encourage energy efficiency investment)
  • specific programmes to tackle fuel poverty.
  Where feasible, case study data will cover the rationale behind the programme/policy; financial data; information on stakeholders involved in the project; results according to qualitative and quantitative indicators; and contacts for further information.
• To seek to develop a common definition of fuel poverty across Europe and achieve both national and pan-European commitments to eradicating fuel poverty. This will involve national and EU legislators, energy supply companies, statutory and non-statutory agencies involved in fuel poverty issues and other relevant bodies working towards a consensus on how best to tackle fuel poverty. The outcome will be a number of recommendations covering legal, financial and procedural issues concerned with fuel poverty.