Energy Saving Tips

Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NIESP) is about helping homes and businesses in Northern Ireland become more energy efficient while also reducing carbon emission.

NIESP is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Utility Regulator.

Who is eligible?

There are a few things to consider, such as your income, where you live and/or if you are a homeowner or private tenant.

There are grants available for heating systems, insulation and other energy saving measures for households with an income of up to £50,000.

To see what grants are available and eligibility criteria click here.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme addresses the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency and may be available to you if you:

• live in Northern Ireland
• own and occupy your property as your main home
• have your day / life interest in the house
• rent from a private landlord, and
• have a total annual gross income of less than £23,000

It can help with:

• Insulation/Ventilation/Draught-proofing
• Heating / Boiler replacement
• Windows
• Solid wall insulation

You can find out more information and check if you are eligible by clicking here.

Consumer Council provides free, independent support and advice for all consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland. They have the power to investigate complaints about energy, water, transport and postal services and undertake research to understand local consumer issues.

Making sure you are on the right tariff: Have you checked what tariff you are on and how much you are paying? Switching provider or payment method could give you savings on your energy bills. The Consumer Council has a free independent energy price comparison on its website. By using this tool you can compare all available electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place. Check to see if your getting the best deal for your energy by clicking here.

Fuel Price Checker: Have a car or a van? Check the latest fuel prices in Northern Ireland by clicking here.

The Consumer Council contact details are 028 9025 1600 or contact@consumercouncil.org.uk

Energy Saving Trust advice centre gives all householders (home owners and tenants) high quality independent impartial advice on:

• heating systems
• insulating your home
• grants to save energy
• cutting fuel bills
• reducing CO2 emissions
• paying for fuel
• help with fuel debt
• energy audits
• low energy lighting
• use of appliances and any fuel related issue

For further information and advice on any of the above contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre by clicking here.

National Energy Action (NEA) are a national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is warm and safe at home. They have put together some of their top energy saving tips that can help make a difference to our household bills.

• Make sure your boiler gets an annual service. This will help ensure it is working efficiently and safely.
• Switch off lights when not in the use. This could save your household £14 a year. Switching to LED bulbs could save £4 – £13 per bulb per year.
• Save an average of £35 on electricity a year by drying clothes on a clothesline, instead of using a tumble dryer.
• Leave your appliances on standby mode? Turn them off and save around £30 a year.
• Try not to leave your mobile phone on charge all night.
• Use a bowl to wash up rather than running the tap could save you up to £25 a year.
• Check your windows and doors for draughts. By simply draft proofing your home you could save around £30. A chimney draught excluder could also save you around £20 a year.
• Turning down your room thermostat by 1 degree could save you £70 a year.
• Washing your clothes at 30 degrees can save you around £9 a year. One less cycle per week can also save you £5 a year.
• Only boiling the water you need in your kettle can save you around £6 a year.

For more information visit the NEA website by clicking here.