Plans for 2011 warmer homes scheme

Date: 29/12/2010
Posted by: Darragh

The plans for the 2011 Warmer Homes Scheme should be published as a matter of urgency, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources should publish the details for how the programme will be run in 2011 early in New Year.

The Warmer Homes Scheme provides energy efficiency improvements in low income households. Approximately 23,000 homes nationwide benefited from the scheme during 2010. The improvements made to homes include installing attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficiency lighting, cavity wall insulation and other measures.

Given the cold weather we have been going through so far this winter, it is vital that the Department outlines its plans for how the scheme will operate in 2011. We all know how cold the weather conditions have been over the last couple of months and this is creating a great deal of interest in the scheme. Many people are looking to apply for the energy efficiency improvements in the New Year and I’m sure there will be more to come.

The cold snap has really emphasised to many people the importance of keeping their homes warm and has also led to many people thinking about the need to make improvements to help keep the heat in and reduce their own energy costs. The Warmer Homes Scheme helps achieve that goal by improving insulation and making other energy improvements to homes.

Thousands of people took part in the scheme around the country last year and it is likely there will be great demand from households again in the new year. To help people with an interest in the scheme the Department should to publish the details of how the scheme will operate in 2011 soon. In the meantime anyone interested in applying for the scheme should contact the Warmer Homes Scheme hotline on 1800 250 204.

Note to editor:

The Warmer Home Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.