Housing Executive residents celebrate cheaper bills and warmer homes
Tenants in Newtownards are among those across NI banking home energy bill reductions of up to 50%, thanks to the Housing Executive’s Low Carbon Programme.
400 homes across Northern Ireland will benefit from new energy efficiency measures under the £14m whole house retrofit scheme.
Elizabeth Beveridge, a resident of Greenlea Park in Newtownards, was spending a third of her income on gas and electricity.
Thanks to a new air source heat pump and solar panels, her bills have halved.
With new loft and cavity wall insulation, airtight windows and doors and upgraded radiators, her house is now warmer all year round.
Gareth Walsh, Project Manager at the Housing Executive, said: “Our Low Carbon Programme is reducing emissions in homes across the country, tackling fuel poverty and making homes healthier and warmer.
“Thanks to the installation of solar panels, residents will be able to generate power by day and store electricity at night, enabling them to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
“Heating homes more efficiently will also provide a constant, ambient temperature throughout the home and help prevent damp and mould.”
Elizabeth added: “I’m delighted with the work; it’s made a huge difference. Before, I was spending a third of my income on gas and electricity.
“Since I’ve had the heat pump and solar panels, my bill has dropped from £1600 a year to just £770. My home is warmer too – I really noticed a difference over the winter.
“I have several health conditions so it’s important I’m not sitting in a cold house.
“Now I can enjoy being cosy all day and doing my cooking and washing for free when the sun shines!
“Thanks so much to the Housing Executive – it’s really been transformational.”
For more information, visit nihe.gov.uk.
