A local family from Altnaveigh Road, Newry, is enjoying a warmer and more energy efficient home thanks to natural gas supplier, firmus energy and the Warm Homes Scheme.
Introduced by the Department of Social Development to tackle fuel poverty, the scheme provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures to owner-occupiers and those who rent from private landlords who are receiving certain benefits.
Michelle Trainor, firmus energy, says: “Natural gas is a convenient and reliable fuel for heating homes, providing instant heat and a constant supply of hot water. Currently natural gas from firmus energy is, on average, almost 60% cheaper than Economy 7. This could equate to a saving of almost £900 a year¹ for customers who have made the switch from Economy 7 to natural gas from firmus energy. On top of those savings, using natural gas produces up to 30%² less carbon emissions than other fossil fuels - leaving you more money for you things you really need as well as doing your bit for the environment and the air quality in the town.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bryson Energy on the Warm Homes Scheme, offering energy efficiency measures and grants to qualifying households in Newry to switch their existing heating system to natural gas. Tenants and homeowners alike will be able to enjoy all the benefits of natural gas including lower fuel bills and a constant supply of heating and hot water.”
Mr Hutchinson, who has taken advantage of the scheme, says: “With another cold winter on the cards, I am delighted that we were able to install natural gas into our home and can enjoy instant cosy warmth and a constant supply of hot water. We previously had no heating system in place, except for the coal fire, so we jumped at the opportunity for the grant.
“As we are able to use a pay-as-you-go meter, we can budget our fuel costs and know exactly what we are spending at all times, which is a great help.
“I would definitely recommend the Warm Homes scheme to anyone who is eligible and already five of my friends/family have installed natural gas after seeing how good it is. I was very impressed with the level of customer service from everyone involved and the installation was quick and finished to a high standard.
Louise Magee, Referrals Manager, Bryson Energy, says: “The Warm Homes Scheme is available to householders on low incomes who need to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. As soon as people apply and their application is approved, a survey is carried out within six weeks to determine what is required to make their home warmer as well as more energy efficient to run in the long term. This may include free loft and wall insulation, as well as a new fully efficient natural gas central heating system.
“We provide energy saving advice based on each house and help resolve any queries or concerns that people may have about the process. Our team then work alongside the householder and/or landlord to plan the most suitable time for the installation.
“Once the job is complete, we return to ensure the householder is happy and that the systems are properly installed and operating. We also provide a free benefit entitlement check to ensure householders are receiving all the help available to them. This is a great scheme that really does benefit those in need without any hidden catches – I would urge all those who believe they may be eligible to contact the number below as that call might just save you a lot of money this coming winter and for years to come.”