Help us understand if some households are being left behind
Ireland has one of the most generous home energy upgrade grant systems in Europe. Through a range of national schemes, thousands of households have been supported to improve comfort, reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions. These supports are a vital part of Ireland’s climate and energy transition and are delivering real benefits across communities. At the same time, experience on the ground suggests that having a grant available does not always mean a household is in a position to upgrade.
As a community-centred project, Renpower works closely with households navigating energy costs, housing challenges and retrofit decisions. Through these conversations, we are increasingly aware that people’s real-life circumstances such as income stability, household needs, tenure, or the ability to contribute upfront costs can strongly influence whether an energy upgrade is feasible, even where grant support exists.
Why we are carrying out this research
Renpower partner EcoVision is exploring how citizen-led renovation services can better support homeowners to make informed and confident decisions about improving the energy efficiency of their homes. A key part of this work is understanding whether Ireland’s current grant system underserves some demographics or household types, despite the overall strength of the system.
This study aims to complement and strengthen ongoing policy development, ensuring that supports continue to evolve in line with people’s lived realities.
Why household circumstances matter
Two households with the same income can have very different abilities to carry out an energy upgrade. As there are many factors that can influence whether a household can realistically proceed with upgrades, even when grants are available. Factors such as:
- Whether a household owns or rents (including HAP),
- Recent changes in income or employment,
- Additional needs within the household (children, caring responsibilities, disability),
- Monthly energy costs and seasonal pressure,
- Ability to save or access finance,
Renpower believes it is essential that people’s voices, experiences and perceptions of the grant system are heard and reflected in policy discussions. A fair and effective energy transition depends on understanding these nuances.
About the survey
To support this work, Ecovision has launched a confidential national survey to better understand:
- Household energy costs and comfort,
- Income and financial pressures,
- Awareness and experience of retrofit grants,
- Willingness and ability to carry out energy upgrades,
- Perceptions of fairness and accessibility within the current system.
The survey is open to Irish homeowners and renters, including people in work, those receiving social welfare, and households with mixed or changing circumstances. All responses are anonymous and will be used solely for research and policy development purposes.
The findings will help us assess whether there are “forgotten” or under-represented groups, and whether additional or adapted supports could help ensure that no one is left behind in Ireland’s retrofit journey.
If you live in Ireland, we invite you to take part in the survey and share your experience. Your input will directly inform evidence-based research aimed at strengthening Ireland’s approach to home energy upgrades.
Every response helps build a clearer picture of how Ireland’s energy upgrade system works in practice and how it can continue to improve for the benefit of all communities.
