People ‘Bankrupting themselves’ to Meet New Energy Rating Standards March 14, 2023 Unipro2013main Irish Life, Irish News </p> <h2>Forced to meet new EU Energy Standards</h2> <p> People who are forced to meet new EU energy standards in their homes will be ‘bankrupting themselves’ due to the cost.</p> <p>That’s according to Newstalk Breakfast host Ciara Kelly, who was speaking as MEPs will vote later on minimum energy standards for buildings.</p> <p>Under the proposals, existing residential buildings would have to be at least an ‘E’ energy rating by 2030, and D by 2033.</p> <p>Ciara said this is something she can’t afford.</p> <p>“I live in an old house – it was built in 1882 – it’s a nice looking house but jaysus it’s freezing,” she said.</p> <p>“I don’t turn on my heat 24/7… because you can’t afford to heat it.</p> <p>“What they’re saying is from 2030 I’m going to have to improve its rating – and I don’t know how I’m going to do that.</p> <p>“If I’m going to wrap it around, or if I’m going to put in double-glazing, we’re talking tens and tens of thousands”.</p> <p>Ciara said this will be at a time when she, and many others, can’t afford it.</p> <p>“That’ll be at a time when I might be not that far off retirement,” she said.</p> <p>“I just don’t know how people are expected, who live in old houses, to bring them up to modern [standards] without bankrupting themselves?</p> <p>“Great, by the way, if the Government is going to give me the money to do it, I’m there for that.</p> <p>“I’d love to live in a warm house as well – but if they’re not going to do it, I’ve no idea how I would come up with the cash”.</p> <p>Ciara has questioned the veracity of the plans.</p> <p>“Can you just tell me one thing, and it’s a genuine question, how me retrofitting my house saves the planet?” she said.</p> <p>“I don’t turn on my heating, I just go cold; I put on jumpers and sleevees.</p> <p>“I put it on for about an hour a day, the same as everybody else, but my house is colder.</p> <p>“I don’t think I could turn on my heat any less,” she added.</p> <p>#climatechange #newstalk #ireland<br /> <br /> Credit to : Newstalk</p> <p> Please support our Sponsors here :
