Homes converted to gas

THE Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in Londonderry installed new natural gas heating systems into more than 270 homes across the City, with the help of local company firmus energy, in 2009.

NIHE also said it and firmus energy are working hard to convert even more homes in the area to natural gas during 2010 and have successfully connected over 360 across Northern Ireland to date.

Through the development of its natural gas network in Londonderry and throughout nine other towns across Northern Ireland, firmus energy has enabled NIHE to further deliver on its current energy policy, which is to install natural gas heating into homes, where available. In the last two years alone, more than 1500 housing executive homes outside the greater Belfast area have had natural gas, using firmus energy’s network, installed.

Gary Swann, head of domestic connections for firmus energy, said: “We have been developing our natural gas network in the City since 2006 and have been working closely with the Housing Executive to bring the benefits of natural gas to its homes.

“The Housing Executive is committed to tackling the issues of fuel poverty and energy efficiency, and this commitment has been particularly important during one of the toughest economic periods in recent history, during which it has continued to deliver its energy policy and has connected more homes to natural gas.

“In these recessionary times it is even more important than ever that homeowners have access to the most cost-effective and efficient means of heating their homes.”

Mr Swann continued: “Natural gas has historically been the most cost-effective fuel for heating homes and hot water and all your cooking needs – even BBQ’s. In April, independent comparisons showed that natural gas was over 30%** cheaper than oil and over 60% cheaper than Economy 7. On top of those savings, using natural gas produces up to 30% less carbon emissions than other fossil fuels - so you save in the pocket as well as doing your bit for the planet and the air quality in the city.

“Another benefit customers can take advantage of is our ‘pay as you go’ payment system, which has proved to be extremely popular.

“This allows customers to pay for gas as they use it, much like they would for mobile phones, with payments from as little as 5. This means no big bills to pay in one lump sum, which is usually the case when purchasing other fuels, such as oil – all of which help the plight of the fuel poor.”

George Chada, project manager for the NIHE’s Heat Replacement Scheme in Londonderry, said: “We’re delighted to bring natural gas to more than 270 homes in the Longtower Court, Caw, Cavanagh Court, Meenan Drive and Westland Street areas of the City.

“The Housing Executive is committed to improving energy efficiency in both social and private sector housing and over the years has consistently replaced old heating systems in favour of cleaner, more efficient ones.”