Here's a few energy saving tips to help make your computer 'energy smart'. It costs about £10 each year if you leave your computer on constant standby, and another £15 if the printer is left on as well!

Energy Saving Tips:

• Switch off your home computer when you go to bed. Don't forget to switch off the monitor too, or
• Use an intelligent mains panel (pictured) to shut down power to peripherals connected to a computer i.e. monitors, printers, scanners, speakers etc when the desktop computer is shut down, either on standby or closed down completely.
• Replace your traditional monitor with a newer flat screen LCD monitor.These use half as much electricity.

Insulation - up to £300 cash back

Over half of all heat lost in an average home goes out through the roof and walls. Installing insulation is one of the simplest energy saving measures, and can save you around £200 each year on heating bills.

We have a scheme which gives up to £150 cash back when you have loft insulation and up to another £150 when you have cavity wall insulation installed.

To apply, click here or call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

Plug in the Sun offers homeowners up to 65% funding to install either a 1.5kWp or 3kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The Reconnect householder grant programme provides up to 50% support for solar PV, which is then 'topped-up' by a further 15% from NIE.

There has never been a better time to Plug in the Sun - the Reconnect householder grant programme is closing for applications on the 31st March 2008, so apply now! This is a limited offer and is available on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Or call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

NIE Energy Generation Tariff - Earn money on your renewables!

Did you know that you could be earning money from your renewable installation? NIE Energy will buy surplus electricity from small renewable generators as well as helping to manage your NI Renewable Obligation Certificates.

NIE Energy is now an official Ofgem agent, which means we can act as an agent on your behalf when dealing with Ofgem. Over 300 homes, schools, farms and businesses throughout Northern Ireland are already benefiting from the NIE Energy Generation tariff.

Calling all keypad customers - win a fabulous Laptop Computer!
All Keypad customers who buy a top-up online between now and the end of February 2008, will automatically be entered into a Prize Draw to win a fabulous laptop computer. Best of luck!

Handy Energy Saving Hint for Keypad Customers
You can press button 6 on your meter to show how much electricity you are using now. This can help you track down energy 'greedy' appliances in your home.

Energy saving bulbs are now available in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They last for years and are brighter than before. If used in a light that is on often, they can save up to £10 each year per bulb, on your electricity bill. With lighting accounting for around 10-15% of electricity bills, energy saving bulbs make more sense than ever.

We've come up with a bright idea to help you save money off your electricity bills. For those of you who like the convenience of shopping online, visit http://www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk/ for details of four types of energy saving bulbs available for £10.99 (plus p&p £3.99 per order).

What do you think of this enews, the format, and of course, the contents? Any suggestions for content are welcome. We'll send you a free energy saving bulb as a thank you for your feedback! Just email Kerstie.Forsyth@nieenergy.co.uk with your full name and postal address (a work address might be better for delivery, if you are out during the day).