Cosy home in Dervock

NIE Energy has been working with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to provide energy saving and renewable energy measures in hard to heat rural homes which have solid walls and are off the gas network, increasing the likelihood of suffering from fuel poverty.

Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy recently visited William Peden at his Dervock home to see how the warmth and comfort of his home has been improved through the scheme.

Wilma from NIE Energy said: “Over 40 homes throughout Northern Ireland have benefited from this scheme, reducing the impact of fuel poverty.

“All the homes participating in the scheme, which is now full, were chosen carefully to ensure that those most in need received the most assistance. Helped homes had a range of energy saving and renewable technologies installed including solar water heating, solar photovoltaics, solid wall insulation, wood pellet boilers and stoves.

“A very important element of this scheme has been monitoring both the energy use and the health and well being of the households. It is hoped that when all the research is complete, it will help inform the development of future energy saving schemes.”

William added: “I am delighted with my new wood pellet boiler system and the extra loft insulation. We experienced a really cold winter this year, but with the help of this scheme our house was comfortably warm throughout. Our house previously was hard to heat and I have noticed a big change, now my house is easier to heat and a lot cheaper to heat as well.”

This ‘Hard to Treat’ scheme is now full and closed however NIE Energy has launched another scheme to help cut energy costs with free insulation for householders. For further information on this scheme and other renewable schemes from NIE Energy, please visit www.nieenergy.co.uk