Energy poverty: why are so many people struggling to power their homes?

<p>With many Irish people now feeling the bite from the soaring cost of living, a new report has found a record number of households are experiencing energy poverty. The study by the ESRI makes for stark reading. It found 29 per cent of households are spending more than a tenth<strong> </strong>of their income to power their home, with people in rural areas, those on lower incomes and older people disproportionately affected. So why is this happening now and what needs to be done to address it?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Sorcha Pollak talks to ESRI economist Barra Roantree and Tricia Keilthy, Head of Social Justice and Policy at the Society of St Vincent de Paul.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>