Unprecedented interest in Home Energy Saving scheme

Energy minister Eamon Ryan TD has announced that the recently-launched Home Energy Saving scheme has proven immensely popular among Irish homeowners. In just four months since the scheme was officially announced, over €16 million in insulation grants is being paid to approximately 12,000 homes nationwide. Over 2,000 construction workers and tradespeople have registered to carry out the works, with a similar level of Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors involved.

It comes as little surprise that there has been such a high level of interest in this scheme”, said minister Ryan. “A large proportion of our houses have been losing heat, wasting energy and crucially, wasting money as a result of poor insulation. It may not be to the forefront of people’s minds in the summer months, but now is the time to get the work done.

"This winter, well-insulated and energy efficient homes will mean reduced energy bills, as well as increased warmth and comfort. Clearly, almost 12,000 householders are thinking ahead.”

With a budget reaching €50 million for this year, significant funding is still available under this scheme. Homeowners can avail of grant assistance for a range of measures including roof and cavity wall insulation, heating control upgrades as well as high efficiency boiler upgrades among others.

This scheme is very much open for business. Investing in insulation and energy efficiency now, will reap the rewards in the months and years ahead. Today, I am urging interested householders to fill out their applications and submit them to Sustainable Energy Ireland as soon as possible.”

The scheme offers grants of up to 40 per cent of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, varying depending on the measure concerned. Owners of homes built prior to 2006 can now apply online at www.sei.ie/hes or contact Sustainable Energy Ireland on 1850 927000.

Homeowners who avail of the full range of measures can expect to save approximately €700 per annum.

The economic contribution of the Home Energy Saving Scheme is in evidence, with reports of insulation companies creating employment as a direct result. 2,100 construction workers have registered to carry out works under the scheme.