Energy Efficiency
One way to reduce your bills is to improve your energy efficiency, which aims to reduce your overall usage. Whilst this can involve making lifestyle changes, there is also financial support available in certain circumstances.
Advice
The following organisations provide information and guidance on reducing energy consumption, including how to access energy efficiency grants:
Grants
Financial support for lower-income households has been provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), alongside local councils, through the Affordable Warmth and Boiler Replacement schemes. However, due to proposed budget cuts within the Department for Communities this support has been severely limited, with NIHE forced to close the Boiler Replacement Scheme for the current financial year.
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) also provides financial assistance (mostly to low-income households) to carry out energy efficiency measures, such as improvements to heating systems and insulation. You can download a list of the current schemes to check eligibility criteria.