Hard to Heat Homes Made Cosy

2 Oct 2009

A lady who lives close to Dervock will be much cosier in her home from now on thanks to a scheme from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and NIE Energy.

Miss Francis Hanna, who lives between Dervock and Ballymoney, had the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, visit her home recently to see for herself how the scheme has improved the warmth and comfort of Miss Hanna’s home.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie said: “In Northern Ireland we have a growing renewable energy industry and I am keen to see this industry continue to prosper.

“The work carried out here is an excellent example of how renewable technologies such as wood pellet boilers can prove a viable alternative to oil and gas.

“I am delighted that Miss Hanna will be able to enjoy the benefits of living in a warm, comfortable home. “

Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy, the local energy company which managed the scheme, says they have been working with the DSD to explore renewable energy and non standard energy saving options for rural homes that proved hard to heat.

All the homes participating in the scheme, which is now full, have a rural focus and were chosen carefully to ensure that those in most need get the most assistance.

Wilma from NIE Energy said: “Over 40 homes throughout Northern Ireland will benefit from this scheme, reducing the impact of fuel poverty.

“Helped homes have a range of energy saving and renewable technologies installed including solar water heating, solar photovoltaics, wood pellet boilers and stoves and solid wall insulation.”

A very important element of this scheme has been monitoring both the energy use and health and well being of the households. It is hoped that when all the research is complete, it will help inform the development of future energy saving schemes.

Miss Francis Hanna added that she is delighted with her new wood pellet stove, as well as the few extra radiators and some loft insulation. Miss Hanna said: “There will be no more lighting a fire or having to go outside in the cold for coal. The pellets are a lot cleaner and the house is not now filled with smoke.”

The scheme, which is now full and complete, aimed to provide both energy saving and renewable energy measures in hard to treat rural homes which had solid walls and off the gas network, so increasing the likelihood of suffering from fuel poverty.

For details of current energy saving and renewable schemes from NIE Energy, visit www.nieenergy.co.uk .

Photo caption - Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, is pictured with Miss Francis Hanna (r) and Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy holding some of the pellets that will fuel Miss Hanna’s new stove and help keep her home cosy this winter.

back to news page | top