Energy Efficiency
Statistics from the Northern Ireland House Condition Survey of 2006 indicated that an estimated 4,000 (35.2%) of households in the Ballymoney Borough Council area spend more than 10% of their income on household fuel costs.
Those most vulnerable are older people, people with a disability or chronic health issues, young children and babies.
It is therefore important to ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. An efficient, regularly serviced heating system, cavity wall and loft insulation will minimise heat loss from the home, while other smaller measures can greatly reduce your electricity bills.
For example, switching off appliances instead of leaving them on standby can reduce your electricity costs by 6%, while turning the thermostat down by 1ºC can reduce your heating costs by 10%. (source: Energy Saving Trust)
Further details and energy efficiency tips are available from
The Energy Efficiency Adviser
Tel: 028 2766 0257
email: warmerhomes@ballymoney.gov.uk
Grant Schemes
For owner occupiers or private tenants there are several schemes at different times of the year offering financial assistance to those requiring home insulation or heating. Some of these are free of charge. Conditions apply.
We are currently making referrals to Warm Homes 2009-10. The scheme is open to householders or private tenants of any age in receipt of one or more of the qualifying benefits.
This can help provide
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Hot Water Cylinder Jacket
- Benefit Entitlement Check
- Energy Advice
Some applicants may also be eligible for heating measures. Conditions apply.
For further details contact
The Energy Efficiency Adviser
Tel: 028 2766 0257
email: warmerhomes@ballymoney.gov.uk
Other Grants Available
The Energy Savings Trust is a one-stop advice centre for energy efficiency advice. Tel: 0800 512 012 or visit their website www.est.org.uk for more information.
House renovation grants may also be available from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Contact your local grants office on 028 2565 3399 for details or visit their website on www.nihe.gov.uk.
Action Renewables provide information on renewable technologies.
Tel: 0800 023 4077, Website: www.actionrenewables.org
Ballymoney Affordable Fuel Scheme
This scheme continues to be very popular, with the ‘Stamp out the Cold’ logo becoming a familiar sight in many local retail outlets. It helps people to budget for their oil payments by purchasing Fuel Stamps at £5 each to fill a Savings Card, which will then be accepted by several participating local oil suppliers as payment or part payment of the next oil bill.
Fuel Stamps can also be purchased as a gift for a neighbour or relative.
PayPoint outlets and Keypad meters also allow for prepayment budgeting, and paying by Direct Debit spreads the cost and often offers a discount.
Fuel suppliers such as oil and gas companies and Northern Ireland Electricity can advise on their payment methods. It is always best to contact your fuel supplier if you have problems paying your fuel bill.
The current list of participating outlets for purchasing Fuel stamps is:
Route Service Station
Glebeside Spar
Linenhall Street Spar
Glebeside Community Association
Trolan’s
Rasharkin Post Office
Dervock Post Office
Cloughmills Post Office
Centra, Ballybogey
Riada House, Reception @ Borough Services
Stranocum Spar
Finvoy Post Office
Useful Websites
Energy Saving Trust
Access to Benefits (free and anonymous online benefit calculator for older people)
Northern Ireland Electricity
Firmus Energy
Renewable Technologies
