Latest news with #energypoverty
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
We cannot continue with dirty, scarce and expensive energy to power our society
Ireland stands at a critical juncture in its energy future. We can lead the way in European renewables , developing energy that is clean, secure and affordable for all. But this opportunity is not unique to us and if we don't act decisively, others will seize that chance ahead of us. Ireland has among the highest electricity prices in Europe, with household bills 30 per cent above the average. Some reports estimate up to 550,000 Irish households are in energy poverty. Meanwhile, we sleepwalk towards costs as high as €26 billion in 2030 for missing EU emissions targets , putting us among the worst in Europe per capita. A significant portion of this is attributable to the energy system, despite enviable wind resources. This is not just an economic issue, it's a social one, and every day it compounds the climate crisis . Historically, Ireland lacked the natural resources that fuelled previous industrial revolutions. But we have abundant wind and ample solar, which can be harnessed economically. There is unnecessary waste, in terms of the wind and solar we already produce and in how we use energy that pollutes. What we are missing is a unifying, system-wide vision and implementation plan. Without this, we remain a bystander in the electric revolution. READ MORE My father, the late Eddie O'Connor , saw the potential of Ireland's enormous renewable resources long before others. He challenged us to make the possible a reality. His big ideas, such as a European supergrid, are closer now than ever. Inspired by his vision, along with my own observations and input from many stakeholders, I established Trifecta Ireland, a non-profit 'do and think tank' to catalyse system change. The name refers to the triple objective of clean, secure and affordable energy for all. Our mission is to realise the social, environmental and economic opportunities of decarbonisation. We need a unified vision for our desired energy future, as well as a system-wide master plan dynamic enough to adapt to emerging technology. We must leverage innovation, international evidence and expertise. Trifecta Ireland will work with the State and industry, science and society to create the conditions needed for investment in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. Trifecta is focused on collaboration, bringing together experts from government, industry, research and communities to shape a shared path forward for Ireland's energy future. One initial priority is to develop a credible vision and roadmap for transforming how we produce, use and manage energy. This plan will lay out clear, practical steps to reach a zero-carbon energy system by 2050. We will draw on top global systems change and mega-project delivery expertise. With the authors of How Big Things Get Done – a Financial Times Book of the Year nominee – we will apply the evidence-based principles of delivering mega-projects on time and on budget. This will involve convening across sectors to find solutions for our immediate challenges and the multi-decade programme to transform our green economy. We will catalyse projects to accelerate emissions reduction, improve affordability and unlock investment at scale. If we get this right, in addition to tackling climate change and delivering cleaner and more secure energy, we can achieve a reduction in our cost of living and doing business. It can bring about an economic transformation benefiting all of us. In Europe, a competitiveness crisis rages on. The energy market is almost dysfunctional and favours fossil fuels. This will be felt acutely in Ireland unless we begin to plan differently for our energy, with a view to present and future. Our economy and society's most vulnerable people are at risk. We cannot continue with dirty, scarce and expensive energy to power our society, when technology exists to secure the opposite in abundance. Ireland cannot succeed alone. We will require a substantial amount of private capital to support many of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions. But here, as elsewhere, there has not been sufficient investment. Uncertainty, delay and the policy implementation gap are barriers to securing that funding. This is compounded by ongoing macro issues such as higher interest rates. Our Government and governments everywhere must recognise their responsibilities and prioritise resources for implementation. By collaborating with industry, we can create the enabling investment conditions that have been missing. With credible long-term plans and deliberate regulation to reduce systemic risk, investor confidence will increase and capital will flow. Things can get moving at pace. Collaboration between government and industry is vital. The role of communities in deploying today's solutions and driving tomorrow's transformation is critical. All sectors of Irish society must be actively engaged. Lesley O'Connor is founder of Trifecta Ireland
CNN
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Cooling your home could hit a record high this summer
Keeping cool could cost a lot more this summer — yet another financial squeeze for many inflation-weary consumers. Americans can expect to shell out a record $784, on average, to cool their homes from June through September, according to a new analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate. That's up 4.2% from the same period last year and 14% higher than 2020, when folks only paid an estimated $688, after accounting for inflation. The tab is projected to rise both because electricity prices are increasing faster than inflation and another hot summer is in the forecast, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the association, which examined summer cooling costs since 2014. Residents of New England and the Midwest will be hit especially hard, with costs projected to increase between 13% and 18% from last year. Only those living in the Pacific, who were expected to shoulder a spike in cooling bills last summer, could catch a break — with costs forecast to decline nearly 7%. Although inflation has become more muted in recent years, prices remain high and household debt is on the rise. What's more, escalating costs for both winter heating and summer cooling are putting pressure on Americans' wallets year-round. Heating bills this past winter, which was a cold one, were expected to jump nearly 9%, according to the association. 'People don't get a chance to catch up,' Wolfe said. More than 21 million Americans — about one in six — are behind on their energy bills, the association estimates. Consumers owed their utility companies a total of $24 billion in March, up from $17.5 billion in January 2023. For some people, particularly those with lower incomes, rising costs can have severe consequences — especially if they are more reluctant to turn on the air conditioning. Heat-related deaths are on the rise, with just over 2,300 people succumbing in 2023, the hottest summer on record, compared to fewer than 1,200 in 2020, according to a study published in the medical journal JAMA. 'Without access to affordable cooling, many will be at risk of heat stroke and other health impacts associated with rising temperatures,' Wolfe said. At the same time, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps about 6 million Americans afford their utility bills, does not have enough funding to aid all those who qualify. LIHEAP is doling out $4.1 billion this fiscal year, down from $6.1 billion two years ago, when Congress provided additional support in the wake of soaring energy prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Only 26 states offer summer cooling assistance through LIHEAP, Wolfe said. In his budget blueprint, released earlier this month, President Donald Trump proposed eliminating the program. The White House said it isn't necessary in part because states have policies preventing utility disconnections for low-income residents, which it argues means LIHEAP mainly benefits utilities. Only 19 states and the District of Columbia offer summer shutoff protections, covering about half the US population, Wolfe said. And in many of them, the rules are outdated and inadequate.
CNN
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Cooling your home could hit a record high this summer
Keeping cool could cost a lot more this summer — yet another financial squeeze for many inflation-weary consumers. Americans can expect to shell out a record $784, on average, to cool their homes from June through September, according to a new analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate. That's up 4.2% from the same period last year and 14% higher than 2020, when folks only paid an estimated $688, after accounting for inflation. The tab is projected to rise both because electricity prices are increasing faster than inflation and another hot summer is in the forecast, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the association, which examined summer cooling costs since 2014. Residents of New England and the Midwest will be hit especially hard, with costs projected to increase between 13% and 18% from last year. Only those living in the Pacific, who were expected to shoulder a spike in cooling bills last summer, could catch a break — with costs forecast to decline nearly 7%. Although inflation has become more muted in recent years, prices remain high and household debt is on the rise. What's more, escalating costs for both winter heating and summer cooling are putting pressure on Americans' wallets year-round. Heating bills this past winter, which was a cold one, were expected to jump nearly 9%, according to the association. 'People don't get a chance to catch up,' Wolfe said. More than 21 million Americans — about one in six — are behind on their energy bills, the association estimates. Consumers owed their utility companies a total of $24 billion in March, up from $17.5 billion in January 2023. For some people, particularly those with lower incomes, rising costs can have severe consequences — especially if they are more reluctant to turn on the air conditioning. Heat-related deaths are on the rise, with just over 2,300 people succumbing in 2023, the hottest summer on record, compared to fewer than 1,200 in 2020, according to a study published in the medical journal JAMA. 'Without access to affordable cooling, many will be at risk of heat stroke and other health impacts associated with rising temperatures,' Wolfe said. At the same time, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps about 6 million Americans afford their utility bills, does not have enough funding to aid all those who qualify. LIHEAP is doling out $4.1 billion this fiscal year, down from $6.1 billion two years ago, when Congress provided additional support in the wake of soaring energy prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Only 26 states offer summer cooling assistance through LIHEAP, Wolfe said. In his budget blueprint, released earlier this month, President Donald Trump proposed eliminating the program. The White House said it isn't necessary in part because states have policies preventing utility disconnections for low-income residents, which it argues means LIHEAP mainly benefits utilities. Only 19 states and the District of Columbia offer summer shutoff protections, covering about half the US population, Wolfe said. And in many of them, the rules are outdated and inadequate.
CNN
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Cooling your home could hit a record high this summer
Keeping cool could cost a lot more this summer — yet another financial squeeze for many inflation-weary consumers. Americans can expect to shell out a record $784, on average, to cool their homes from June through September, according to a new analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate. That's up 4.2% from the same period last year and 14% higher than 2020, when folks only paid an estimated $688, after accounting for inflation. The tab is projected to rise both because electricity prices are increasing faster than inflation and another hot summer is in the forecast, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the association, which examined summer cooling costs since 2014. Residents of New England and the Midwest will be hit especially hard, with costs projected to increase between 13% and 18% from last year. Only those living in the Pacific, who were expected to shoulder a spike in cooling bills last summer, could catch a break — with costs forecast to decline nearly 7%. Although inflation has become more muted in recent years, prices remain high and household debt is on the rise. What's more, escalating costs for both winter heating and summer cooling are putting pressure on Americans' wallets year-round. Heating bills this past winter, which was a cold one, were expected to jump nearly 9%, according to the association. 'People don't get a chance to catch up,' Wolfe said. More than 21 million Americans — about one in six — are behind on their energy bills, the association estimates. Consumers owed their utility companies a total of $24 billion in March, up from $17.5 billion in January 2023. For some people, particularly those with lower incomes, rising costs can have severe consequences — especially if they are more reluctant to turn on the air conditioning. Heat-related deaths are on the rise, with just over 2,300 people succumbing in 2023, the hottest summer on record, compared to fewer than 1,200 in 2020, according to a study published in the medical journal JAMA. 'Without access to affordable cooling, many will be at risk of heat stroke and other health impacts associated with rising temperatures,' Wolfe said. At the same time, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps about 6 million Americans afford their utility bills, does not have enough funding to aid all those who qualify. LIHEAP is doling out $4.1 billion this fiscal year, down from $6.1 billion two years ago, when Congress provided additional support in the wake of soaring energy prices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Only 26 states offer summer cooling assistance through LIHEAP, Wolfe said. In his budget blueprint, released earlier this month, President Donald Trump proposed eliminating the program. The White House said it isn't necessary in part because states have policies preventing utility disconnections for low-income residents, which it argues means LIHEAP mainly benefits utilities. Only 19 states and the District of Columbia offer summer shutoff protections, covering about half the US population, Wolfe said. And in many of them, the rules are outdated and inadequate.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Solar Boom: What Businesses Must Do Now to Reap the Benefits
With 2.5 gigawatts-peak (GWp) ( of solar capacity added across Africa in 2024 and 194.34 GWp expected in 2025, the continent is fast becoming a global hotspot for solar energy growth. Leading this shift are the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors, where photovoltaic (PV) systems are being installed on-site at businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities to meet their own energy demands. Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBi-electric: low voltage ( explains that multiple factors are accelerating the continent's switch to solar. 'Energy poverty remains a major issue across Africa, with reliable grid electricity reaching only 14% ( of Zimbabweans, for example.' He adds that unreliable power supply is another key driver. 'Persistent nationwide blackouts are affecting countries like Botswana ( disrupting day-to-day operations. And in hydro-electric dependent countries such as Zambia ( climate change is reducing water levels, leading to lower electricity generation and higher prices.' Dr Dickson points out that in countries like Namibia which are dependent on electricity imports, affordability is a growing concern, with N$8.8 billion ( expected to be spent between January 2024 and December 2025. 'As a result, Namibia now has the highest ( electricity prices in Southern Africa. Yet it has a unique geographic advantage: its solar PV systems can produce twice ( as much electricity as comparable systems in central Europe.' Some African nations are proactively investing in solar to reduce their grid dependence. 'Malawi is rolling out its National Compact for Energy ( which creates a competitive framework for private-sector investment in off-grid solar through grants, subsidies, and credit lines that improve access to foreign exchange,' he notes. Safeguarding solar investments The shift to solar is also being driven by cost-effectiveness. Dr Dickson shares that on-site solar is now cheaper ( than the electricity tariffs paid by C&I clients in at least seven sub-Saharan markets. Pointing to research by GreenCape ( which found that solar PV can reduce business energy costs by 15%, with a return on investment reached within three to 12 years, he highlights that after that, businesses can benefit from up to 15 years of free electricity. However, Dr Dickson stresses that unlocking these savings requires protecting system components from damage and disruption. 'Voltage spikes caused by lightning or grid instability can seriously damage inverters and batteries. Installing surge protection devices (SPDs) is critical, not just to prevent damage, but also to avoid voiding manufacturer warranties.' Arcing is another serious threat. 'When electrical currents jump across gaps, the heat generated can damage components or even start fires,' he explains. 'DC circuit breakers designed specifically for solar systems are essential for mitigating this risk. They're built to handle the direct current generated by PV panels, ensuring safer and more reliable operation.' Smart tech enables smarter solar use In addition to physical protection, Dr Dickson advises businesses to embrace smart energy management tools to extend system life and optimise performance. 'A smart power indicator can detect grid interruptions and send immediate alerts, helping businesses respond quickly. These systems can temporarily disconnect non-essential high-energy devices during an outage to prevent overload and preserve battery life. At the same time, they ensure that essential systems like security and lighting continue operating during downtime.' Optimising solar ROI in 2025 He believes that the key to unlocking solar's full potential lies in strategic system design and management. 'By combining surge protection, DC breakers, and monitoring tools, businesses can reduce unexpected costs, minimise downtime, and extend the life of their investment.' 'As Africa's solar energy market continues to expand in 2025, organisations have an opportunity to capitalise on its long-term benefits. With the right technologies and safeguards in place, solar is not only a clean energy solution it's a strategic asset that pays off,' concludes Dr Dickson. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage. About CBi-electric: low voltage: Established in 1949, CBi-electric: low voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. Previously known as Circuit Breaker Industries or CBI, the company specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of circuit breakers, residential current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and metering products. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of renowned JSE listed industrial group Reunert ( established in 1888, with international operations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and USA. CBi-electric: low voltage can be found in almost every home and has firmly become a market leader over the last 75 years while supplying products to authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial property developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications. In 2021, the brand launched its smart IoT (internet-of-things) home automation range, called the Astute Range.
