Fuel poverty estimates for Wales: 2018

This report provides detailed analysis of the Fuel Poverty estimates for Wales 2018. It builds on the headline figures published in May 2019. This report includes comparisons between tenures, types of dwelling and household types. Also comparisons with other UK nations, changes over time, and the factors influencing fuel poverty.

A household is regarded as being in fuel poverty if they are unable to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost. In Wales, this is measured as any household that would have to spend more than 10% of their income on maintaining a satisfactory heating regime. Any household having to spend more than 20% is defined as being in severe fuel poverty.

Vulnerable households are defined as those with a person aged 60 years or over, a child or young person under the age of 16 years and/or a person who is disabled or has a long term limiting condition.

A summary of the method used to calculate the estimates has been produced for users. A detailed methodology report is also available.

Main points

• 155,000 households were living in fuel poverty. This is equivalent to 12% of all households in Wales.
• Households living in the private rented sector were more likely to be fuel poor with 20% of these households living in fuel poverty.
• 50% of those living in fuel poverty were single person households without children.(r)
• Households living in older properties are more likely to be fuel poor. 20% of households living in pre-1919 dwellings were fuel poor.
• 21% of households living in properties with uninsulated solid walls were fuel poor and 39% of people living in properties that do not have central heating were fuel poor. 
• 43% of households living in properties with poorer energy efficiency (Energy Performance Certificates Bands F and G) were fuel poor compared to 5% of households living in properties in bands B to C.

(r) Revised on 29 August after publication.