Energy efficiency
There are a number of grants available, both from the government and private energy suppliers, to help homeowners, private tenants and people who rent from a Housing Association or from the Housing Executive heat their homes.
Warm Homes grants
If you meet the eligibility criteria and you are a private tenant or a homeowner, you could receive a grant up to the maximum value of £1500 to help with the cost of:
- loft insulation,
- cavity wall insulation,
- hot water cylinder jackets,
- benefit entitlement check,
- energy advice.
If you receive one or more of the following benefits and you are a private tenant or own your home, you may be eligible for a Warm Homes grant
- housing benefit,
- income support,
- income based job seeker's allowance,
- income related employment and support allowance,
- pension credit,
- child tax credit, with an income of less than £15,860,
- working tax credit,
- disability living allowance,
- attendance allowance.
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Warm Homes Plus grants
When you apply for a Warm Homes grant your household's energy needs will be assessed. In properties where there is no central heating system, a solid fuel, Economy 7 or bottled gas system, your home may be identified as needing additional measures, such as heating or complex insulation. In this case, you may be eligible for Warm Homes Plus.
The maximum grant payable under the Warm Homes Plus Scheme is currently £6,500. This grant should be used to help you:
- convert a bottled gas, solid fuel or Economy 7 heating system to oil or natural gas,
- install a new oil or gas system in a property that had no heating previously,
- put in insulation that costs more than the maximum award of first level Warm homes grant.
You will only be eligible for a Warm Homes Plus grant if you are in receipt of:
- housing benefit,
- income support,
- income related employment and support allowance,
- income based jobseeker's allowance,
- pension credit,
- working tax credit.
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Applying for a Warm homes grant
The Warm homes scheme is managed by H&A mechanicals Services LTD and Bryson Charitable Group.
To apply for a grant, telephone 0800 988 0559. Your enquiry will be directed to the scheme manager responsible for the area in which you live.
Find out more warm homes grants.
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Other grant funding for energy efficiency measures
A number of energy providers who operate in Northern Ireland offer schemes to help make homes more energy efficient. These schemes range from assistance with insulation to help with replacing an inefficient heating system. Many are means tested, but some schemes are operated on a first come, first served basis with no means testing. These schemes generally run until the end of each financial year, but due to demand, funding often dries up before the official end date of the scheme. If you're interested contact the individual supplier responsible for administering the grant you require.
More details on these schemes, including information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the NI Sustainable Energy Programme's 
List of Schemes for 2013/2014.
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