The Housing Executive

The scheme, provided by funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers, with energy efficient condensing oil or gas boilers; switching from oil to gas; or switching to a wood pellet boiler.

It is available to those who earn less than £40,000 a year with an inefficient boiler of at least 15 years and is dependent on total gross income.

Encouraging homeowners who think they may be eligible for the scheme to apply, Minister McCausland said: “This scheme that I am launching can make a real difference financially to 16,000 home owners throughout Northern Ireland. By replacing an old non-condensing boiler with a new condensing boiler, householders in an average three bedroom semi-detached house can save in excess of £2,700 over 10 years. This figure increases the older the boiler being replaced.

“During last year’s pilot scheme almost 1,700 boilers were replaced in homes throughout Northern Ireland with some delivering a 30% increase in fuel efficiency. This money saved will make a real difference to the most vulnerable in our community.

“Northern Ireland suffers from the highest level of fuel poverty in the United Kingdom with households here spending significantly more of their disposable income on energy costs. This scheme further underlines my Department’s commitment to supporting people in reducing their energy costs and maximising the energy efficiency of their homes.”

Those who think they may be eligible can call now on 03448 920900 or register by email at boiler-replacement@nihe.gov.uk. Please ensure you include your name, full postal address, Council area and contact telephone number in the email.

Due to the very large number of enquiries we have already received, there may be some delay in sending you an application form and with processing your application when you return it to us.  We apologise for this delay and would ask for your patience.   

The Minister added: “I would encourage homeowners who think that they meet the criteria to register now. They can also begin to make enquiries about the type of new boiler they would like to have installed and book ahead with a local installer, so that they can get the work done as quickly as possible”.

The Minister concluded: “This scheme will also be welcomed by local businesses. Last year some 640 installers and suppliers were involved in carrying out the work and I hope as this scheme progresses the use of these companies will continue to give a boost to the local economy.”

The amount of grant payable will depend on total gross income. For those earning less than £20,000 the grant is £700 to replace the boiler but will rise to £1,000 grant if controls are also being installed.

For those earning over £20,000 but less than £40,000 the grant is £400 for the boiler but will rise to £500 if controls are installed. Building control inspection and fee is compulsory for this scheme and the cost of the fee is not included in the grant. Householders are free to use an installer of their choice as long as they are “gas safe” registered for gas installations. Retrospective approval will not be given for this scheme.

Anyone who receives assistance via the DETI Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme will not be eligible for the DSD boiler replacement scheme.