Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any support available to households seeking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Minister for Communities: My Department currently supports the Affordable Warmth Scheme (AWS), which provides funding for energy efficiency measures such as loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation in the homes of low-income homeowners.
My Officials are currently developing the Warm Healthy Homes Fund, which will replace AWS, and be 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 will adopt a whole-house, fabric first approach providing fully funded energy efficiency measures following a comprehensive home assessment.
Subject to consultation outcomes, final policy decisions and funding availability, it is anticipated that the Fund will open to applications in March 2027.
Free comprehensive advice and support on how to save energy in the home and eligibility for help to improve energy efficiency across all tenures is available from the NI Energy Advice Service via: 0800 1114455 or email: NIenergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk
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