Are you confused about what grants are currently available in Northern Ireland and if you are eligible to apply? Hopefully the below guide can help you navigate what is currently available and whether you qualify.
What is NISEP?
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) helps homes and businesses in NI become more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. They provide grants to low-income households and businesses.
The NISEP year runs from 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025. During this period there are 22 schemes on offer from 10 scheme managers. To find out more click here.
Commercial Setting
Available throughout Northern Ireland, NISEP offers a 20% grant on Energy Saving Technologies such as Boiler replacements, Heat Pumps, Solar PV and Solar Thermal for example. The scheme is managed by Power NI and is targeted to all businesses in Northern Ireland.
from May 2024
Department for the Economy has announced a £20million energy support fund for businesses.
The five-year programme is now open for applications and will offer businesses grants of up to £150,000 for investments in areas such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, motors and drives, compressed air systems, and onsite renewable energy generation.
More information can be found on the Capital Efficiency Capital Grant Programme page
Guidance notes are also available here
For details on how to apply or to talk to an advisor contact Invest NI’s Business Support Team on 0800181 4422. Lines are open Monday to Friday 09.30 to16:30.
Domestic Setting
NISEP offer a range of fully funded and part funded schemes that cover installation of new, efficient and less carbon intensive central heating systems along with a package of energy efficiency measures.
Examples include Energy Plus Province-wide or Toasty Homes Plus.
To be eligible, households must have either:
- No central heating
- Solid fuel heating
- Old oil, natural gas, or LPG heating system (the boiler must be over 15 years or broken beyond viable economic repair).
There are income thresholds for all schemes, and they are fixed.
Curious about Heat Pumps?
Additionally, there are 4 schemes available for novel renewable heating solutions such as heat pumps. A currently underused renewable heating technology, the systems will come with heating controls to monitor the systems performance.
To view the full list of NISEP schemes on offer for this current NISEP period please click here. This document will include the full eligibility criteria for each scheme and who to apply to.
Carbon Reduction Grant
Would you like to reduce your home heating Carbon emissions by up to 50%? Phoenix Energy in partnership with Action Renewables is offering a £400 grant towards the cost of connection and installation of gas to your household. The grant is income-based and is based on a household income no greater than £65,000. To apply and find out further information on the grant please click here.
Affordable Warmth Scheme
Another scheme aimed at helping low-income households is the affordable warmth scheme. This scheme aims to help with installation of insulation, central heating and new windows for total annual incomes of less than £23,000. A technical officer from the scheme will need to assess the requirements of your household and then make recommendations for energy saving measures which in some cases, you can receive up to £7,500. For further information on this scheme and how to apply please click here.
By Brian Rafferty