Annaclone group powers on as energy champions

They have done this by installing new double glazed windows and doors at their community centre.

The Power NI BIG Energy Saving Challenge was launched in 2011 and was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The aim was to increase energy efficiency awareness and educate community groups on ways to save energy and money, reduce heating and electricity costs as well as make local communities more sustainable.

As the overall winners of the Challenge, the group were given £20,000 to add further energy saving initiatives to their local area. To date, the winning prize has been spent on the refurbishment of new windows and doors and cavity wall insulation. It will also be used to install a Solar PV system in the New Year.

Bronagh Rafferty, Committee member from Annaclone Community Engagement said: “We are thrilled to have won Power NI’s BIG Energy Saving Challenge and can’t thank Power NI enough for all their help and advice along the way.

“We can already feel the change the double glazing has made. The whole community is looking forward to the solar PV installation as we know that will make a significant difference as well.”

Power NI’s project coordinator, Neil Coleman added: “At Power NI we are very proud of Annaclone Community Engagement as they have been working very hard over the past few months.

“The energy changes they have made so far have made a noticeable difference to the community centre and we know solar PV will do the same.

“It is an excellent investment which will be very beneficial for years to come. Power NI is Northern Ireland’s one stop shop for energy saving. The more homes and communities we can help, the greater the difference we can make.’’

For more information on how you can take steps to save energy in your home or further information on boiler servicing, insulation schemes or solar PV visit www.powerni.co.uk/savingenergy or call free on 0800 0321 894* (* Lines open Mon to Fri 9am-5pm)