Cosy Home in Bessbrook
A Bessbrook couple are much cosier in their home thanks to a scheme from NIE Energy and the Department of Social Development.
NIE Energy has been working with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to provide 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.
Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy recently visited Denis and Veronica McGuinness at their Bessbrook home to see how the warmth and comfort of their family home has been improved through the scheme.
Wilma from NIE Energy said: “Over 40 homes throughout Northern Ireland have benefited from this scheme, reducing the impact of fuel poverty.
“All the homes participating in the scheme, which is now full, were chosen carefully to ensure that those most in need received the most assistance. Helped homes had a range of energy saving and renewable technologies installed including solar water heating, solar photovoltaics, solid wall insulation, wood pellet boilers and stoves.
“A very important element of this scheme has been monitoring both the energy use and the 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.”
Denis McGuinness from Bessbrook added: “We are delighted with our new wood pellet boiler system and the extra loft insulation.
“We have noticed a big change. As the wood pellet boiler doesn’t create dry heat it has made a positive improvement to my wife’s chest, as she suffers from asthma. Our house previously was incredibly hard to heat up, as it is old, with high ceilings and big rooms. Now our home is easier and a lot cheaper to heat.”
This ‘Hard to Treat’ scheme is now full and closed however, NIE Energy has launched another scheme to help cut energy costs with free insulation for householders. For further information on this scheme and other renewable schemes from NIE Energy, please visit www.nieenergy.co.uk
Photo caption -
Denis and Veronica McGuiness from Bessbook are pictured beside their new wood pellet boiler with (c) Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy. Their home is much cosier thanks to the scheme from NIE Energy and the Department of Social Development.
For further information on other money and energy saving schemes from NIE Energy, please visit www.nieenergy.co.uk