What is energy poverty and why does it matter for Ireland?

When we talk about the transition to clean energy, we often hear about technology, infrastructure, and emissions targets. But there’s a deeply human side to the energy story—one that’s felt in households across Ireland every day. It’s called energy poverty, and it's more common than many people realise.

At its core, energy poverty means not being able to afford the energy needed for a basic standard of living—heating your home, lighting your rooms, cooking your meals, or charging your phone. It happens when energy bills become too high relative to a household’s income, especially in homes that are poorly insulated or rely on inefficient heating systems.

According to some estimates, up to 550,000 households in Ireland are living in energy poverty. That’s nearly one in four. And it’s not just about comfort—it’s about health, dignity, and quality of life. Cold, damp homes can lead to respiratory problems, impact mental health, and even reduce life expectancy. For families, it can mean hard choices between heating and groceries. For older people, it can mean real danger during the winter months.

What makes this especially frustrating is that Ireland is rich in renewable resources—we have world-class wind and increasingly viable solar energy. Yet we still rely heavily on imported fossil fuels and a fragmented, inefficient energy system that leaves too many behind.

At Watt Footprint, we believe addressing energy poverty is just as important as meeting climate targets. In fact, the two are deeply connected. A clean energy future must be an inclusive one—where the benefits of lower-cost, locally generated renewable power reach every household.