Sustainable energy grants for tenants and homeowners

The Utility Regulator has released details of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) schemes for 2016/17.

These schemes are funded by the small charge that all electricity customers pay on their bills, under a public service obligation.  The most recent performance review of the NISEP schemes, from 2015/15, states that a budget of £7,941,946 was set for that year, giving an average customer contribution of £9.37 per year.

The intention of the programme is to improve energy efficiency throughout Northern Ireland. The schemes are typically targeted at households who do not qualify for assistance through the Affordable Warmth scheme and, as a consequence, the income threshold for eligibility is more generous.  

What help is available for private tenants and homeowners?

Private tenants and homeowners can apply for a variety of heating and insulation measures, including fully funded gas heating systems, grants towards insulation, energy saving light-bulbs and water widgets, energy monitors and heating jackets for water cylinders.  

The schemes are provided by a number of companies, including Power NI, Energystore, Fusion Heating, firmus energy and Workspace. Apply directly to the scheme to express your interest.  Contact details for all schemes are included in the NISEP List of Schemes for 2016/17.

What help is available for social tenants?

A number of housing association properties will also see benefits from the NISEP schemes.  PowerNI runs the Cosy Homes and Cosy Homes Insulation schemes which provide heating conversion and insulation for housing association properties.  Housing associations are responsible for selecting suitable properties for these schemes and for funding any shortfall in the installation costs.

Fusion Heating is providing heating and insulation measures for Helm Housing as part of this year’s NISEP schemes.  Helm is responsible for selecting the properties which will benefit.

Non-means tested assistance

The majority of schemes are targeted at vulnerable households who do not benefit from the Affordable Warmth programme.  Maximum income thresholds will rule some households out of eligibility for these schemes.  However, there are a number of smaller measures available to homeowners and private tenants who do not qualify for a priority scheme.  These include cashback incentives the cost of cavity wall insulation or loft insulation and a substantial discount on the installation of a Natatmo smart thermostat.

2014/15 NISEP results

The 2014/15 NISEP annual report shows significant results for the programme. There were a total of 127,755 energy efficient interventions during this period, including 1,764 heating replacements, 3,457 lofts insulated and cavity wall insulation provided in 1,960 cases.