Belfast, February 25, 2025 – EnergyCloud Northern Ireland has submitted an ambitious proposal to the Department for Communities, outlining a groundbreaking initiative that aims to alleviate fuel poverty by redirecting surplus renewable energy to low-income households. 

In its submission, the organisation highlights the severity of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland, where nearly one in four households spends over 10% of their income on energy costs. A recent study by National Energy Action (NEA) NI found that 27% of households had gone without heating or electricity at some point in the past two years due to financial constraints. The submission underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to this crisis. 

Harnessing Wasted Renewable Energy 

Northern Ireland generates significant amounts of renewable energy, particularly from wind power, but much of it is lost due to grid limitations and curtailment. According to figures from the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), 1,745 GWh of wind energy has been curtailed since 2022—enough to power over 500,000 homes for a year. The estimated retail value of this wasted energy is £529 million. 

EnergyCloud Northern Ireland proposes a pioneering solution: redirecting this surplus renewable energy to low-income households to provide free electricity for essential heating and hot water. This initiative aligns with the Department for Communities’ Fuel Poverty Strategy consultation and supports the goal of improving energy efficiency for vulnerable households. 

A Collaborative Approach to Energy Poverty 

Jamie Delargy, Chairperson of EnergyCloud Northern Ireland, emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative: “Too many families in Northern Ireland are forced to choose between heating and other basic necessities. At the same time, we are wasting vast amounts of renewable energy. EnergyCloud bridges this gap, ensuring that clean energy is used where it’s needed most.” 

The organisation is working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including SONI, housing providers, and energy firms, to implement this model. By integrating their efforts with government initiatives, EnergyCloud seeks to enhance energy affordability and sustainability in the region. 

Alignment with Climate Goals 

EnergyCloud Northern Ireland’s proposal is in line with the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which sets a target of achieving at least 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By utilising surplus renewable energy instead of curtailing it, Northern Ireland could take a leading role in innovative energy solutions. 

Next Steps 

The proposal has been welcomed by policymakers, and discussions are underway on how to integrate it into Northern Ireland’s broader fuel poverty strategy. If adopted, the initiative could provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable households while reducing carbon emissions and increasing the efficiency of the renewable energy grid. 

For more information about EnergyCloud Northern Ireland and its work, visit www.energycloud.org/northern-ireland.