Better Energy: the National Upgrade Programme was launched in May 2011 in the context of the Government's Jobs Initiative. Better Energy replaced the three energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).
The Better Energy programme is designed to support the energy efficiency upgrades of one million homes, businesses and public buildings. The Better Energy: Homes programme has overseen the upgrade of over 136,000 homes since it began in May 2009.
Further information on the Better Energy programmes is available on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/BetterEnergyHomes
The table below shows the grant levels available:
|
Better Energy: Homes scheme |
Previous Support Levels € |
Current Support Levels € |
|
Roof Insulation |
200 |
200 |
|
External wall insulation |
4000 |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
1800 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of terrace |
2700 |
|
Detached House |
3600 |
|
Internal Wall Dry-Lining |
2,000 |
|
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
900 |
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
1350 |
|
Detached House |
1800 |
|
Cavity Wall Insulation |
320 |
250 |
|
High Efficiency Gas or Oil fired Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
560 |
560 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade |
400 |
400 |
|
BER After Upgrade Works (Only one BER grant per home) |
80 |
50 |
|
Solar Thermal |
800 |
800 |
Voluntary Agreements
On the 12 March 2012, the Minister approved the finalisation of Voluntary Agreements between the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and 9 energy suppliers, who have agreed to meet energy savings targets. The Government has committed to reaching energy efficiency savings of 20% by 2020, and energy suppliers will play a key role in meeting this goal.
Over 228,000 homes have been upgraded with energy efficiency measures to date, through the SEAI’s Better Energy: Homes and Better Energy: Warmer Homes programmes. Energy suppliers will also be offering energy efficiency upgrades to their customers.
The companies who have signed up to date are:
|
Airtricity |
|
Arigna Fuels |
|
Bord Gais Éireann |
|
Bord na Móna Fuels Limited |
|
Calor |
|
Electric Ireland |
|
Energia |
|
Stafford Fuels |
|
Vayu |
|
Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA)
Seven IPIA member companies which are participating are – ConocoPhillips, Esso, Inver, Maxol, Valero, Tedcastles (Including TOP/Kelly Fuels) and Topaz |
|
Ireland’s first National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) was published in May 2009 and sets out 90 actions that are already been taken or will take in the period to 2020 to achieve 20% energy efficiency savings across the public, business, residential, transport, and energy supply sectors. The savings identified in the first Action Plan represent approximately €1.6 billion in annual energy cost reductions for the economy in 2020 and will reduce our CO2 emissions by approximately 5.7 million tonnes per annum. Achievement of the full target will provide further benefits.
Full details on the Better Energy launch are available here:
Better Energy Launch - Minister's Speech
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The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government operates the following schemes through local authorities:
- Housing Aid for Older People
- Social Housing Investment Programme
More information is available by clicking Environment Grants