MORE than 17,000 households in Newport could be in fuel poverty, according to a report.

Figures provided by National Energy Action (NEA) revealed around 1 in 3 households in Wales were in fuel poverty due to a rise in energy prices.

As there are 57,000 households in Newport, this means potentially 17,100 homes are affected.

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than ten per cent of it’s income on fuel to maintain a comfortable level of heating.

Now the city is taking part in a pilot scheme called The Heat is On with NEA - one of only two areas in Wales, along with Carmarthen.

The Heat is On project will allow NEA Cymru to work closely with councillors on scrutiny forums to review work already done and identify further measures to ensure more people are able to keep their homes warm this winter.

Councillors will be encouraged to meet residents experiencing fuel poverty, talk to voluntary organisations and other agencies to ensure the project makes a difference and affects policy.

The project is funded by SWALEC and supported by the Assembly and the Welsh Local Government Association.

In late 2007 to May 2008 Newport council carried out a private sector housing stock condition survey, which also looked into the energy efficiency of homes.

The survey revealed that many houses were below the energy efficiency standard, which would cost around £7.8 million to put right.

The survey also found fuel poverty was linked to low income with the majority of households affected having an income of less than £10,000 a year.

It also found it to be linked to households where one or more of the people received means tested benefits.

Jayne Lewis, 48, who lives with her two daughters Bethan, 20, and Abbi, 10, and her six-month-old granddaughter Mckenzie, says she is facing a financial struggle due to the rising cost in energy bills. She spends nearly 15 per cent of her disposable income on fuel bills.

The Pill mum said: “It is affecting us greatly, whether you are working or unemployed, prices have gone through the roof.

“My electric has gone up from five pounds a week to 20 pounds a week, it’s sky high. I haven’t put the heating on yet because I can’t afford to.”

Mrs Lewis, who runs a cafe in Pill Millennium Centre, has little money left over each week after paying for her gas, electricity and rent and said she has been forced to compromise on things such as food just to pay her bills.

She said: “I can’t see it being a very happy Christmas. The children will have something but we won’t have the luxuries.”

Income and expenses

Mrs Lewis' average weekly earnings are around £250. She also received £130 a week working family tax credit.

What Mrs Lewis spends:

  • £20 a week on electric
  • £20 a week on gas
  • £100 a week rent on her business
  • £92 a week rent on her house
  • £300 every six months for water rates