The Housing Executive

The scheme will start in September and will be open to owner occupiers who earn less than £40,000 and who have a inefficient boiler at least 15 years old. The grant of up to £1,000 (dependent on total gross income), is available to assist in replacing an inefficient boiler for a more energy efficient condensing oil or gas boiler; switching from oil to gas; or switching to a wood pellet boiler.

If you think you may be eligible call now on 0300 200 7874 to find out more.

In last year’s pilot scheme, which targeted older people, almost 1,700 boilers were replaced in homes across Northern Ireland, delivering up to a 30% increase in efficiency.

Applications to the scheme, which will be run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, will be invited from September 2012. Information on the application process will be published as part of the scheme launch.

Mr McCausland remarked, “In the coming weeks, I hope to be announcing some additional funding for the scheme, which will be part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. This could see an additional 16,000 people benefit from the grant available.”

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 £1000 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.