Home Energy Conservation Authority Progress Report
The Housing Executive has published the Home Energy Conservation Authority (HECA) Progress Report 2021 demonstrating how energy efficiency investment has reduced fuel poverty in Northern Ireland during its 50th anniversary of delivering housing services to local people.
During the last financial year, the Housing Executive invested over £11.32 million across energy efficiency measures in 3,840 of its own properties.
Across the private sector, £8 million has been spent on improving 3,372 homes through the Department for Communities’ Affordable Warmth and Boiler Replacement schemes. In the Housing Association sector, a further £5.5m was delivered through a range of energy efficiency measures including the fitting of new heating systems.
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme facilitated £7.9 million of energy efficiency measures last year, in a scheme delivered by a range of organisations and managed by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Utility Regulator.
Tackling Fuel Poverty through energy efficiency measures continues to be key to the Housing Executive. Fuel Poverty estimates continue to be carried out by the Housing Executive’s Research Department, with the 2019 figure estimated to be 24%.
The Housing Executive’s Chief Executive, Grainia Long, said: “Householders continue to face financial constraints with increasing energy and food prices.
“In collaboration with partners, the Housing Executive continue ongoing investments in energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures for householders.
“We are continuing to explore options to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise the residential sector, with the key focus to reduce the financial pressure on householders, the carbon footprint and improving individual health and wellbeing.”