So in an effort to make it slightly colder, do we need mandates that increase energy prices and decrease power reliability?

Northern Ireland News - Elderly 'Out Cold'

Shocking statistics have shown that - even in this 21st Century - old people in Northern Ireland still die from the effects of cold weather.

Just under 10 old age pensioners are killed by the cold in Northern Ireland every year and another 35 elderly people end up in hospital annually because of the effects of freezing weather.

The figures come as temperatures plummeted below zero in an early cold snap this week, raising fears that more vulnerable people will be left to shiver in their own homes as the winter comes early and the credit crunch bites.

While many pensioners and low-income families are already struggling with vastly increased heating bills because of the massive jump in energy prices and the economic downturn - this week has seen prolonged power cuts in the east of Belfast causing great hardship, mainly to older people.

According to local MLA Robin Newton, the power cuts left many pensioners with no heat over the past two days.

"These electricity supply failures have occurred in the Hillsborough Drive/Gardens, Loopland areas and power has been on/off for the past two days.