Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): The Minister for Communities to detail any steps he is taking to make heat pump installation more (i) accessible; and (ii) affordable, for homeowners.
Minister for Communities: While responsibility in this area rests primarily with the Department for the Economy, my officials are currently developing the Warm Healthy Homes Fund, an energy efficiency scheme designed to support owner-occupiers and private sector tenants who are experiencing, or are at risk of, fuel poverty.
The Fund forms a key part of the Executive’s Warm Healthy Homes Strategy and is intended to provide a long-term, sustainable response to fuel poverty while supporting the transition to lower-carbon home heating solutions where appropriate.
The proposed Fund will adopt a whole-house, fabric first approach and will provide fully funded energy efficiency measures following a comprehensive home assessment. Air Source Heat Pumps will be offered where suitable alongside solar panels (PV) and battery storage systems improving affordability and maximising energy savings for households.
Subject to consultation outcomes, final policy decisions and funding availability, it is anticipated that the Fund will open to applications in 2027.
ENDS
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