With the North of Ireland having levels of fuel poverty amongst the highest in Northern Europe, Derry Sinn Féin Councillor Colly Kelly has urged all those who may qualify to take advantage of the latest Age NI/Power NI free home insulation scheme.
The scheme closes on 30 November next and Cllr Kelly said anyone interested “needs to move quickly.”
Cllr Kelly said: “The benefits of this scheme are obvious and open to many within our communities and represent a realistic first step in helping to control what are unfortunately often spiralling fuel bills.
“Offering home owners and private tenants on low incomes and regardless of age the opportunity to have insulation up to the value of £800.00 installed free of charge. The scheme can help save up to £150.00 on energy bills every year.”
Cllr Kelly concluded: “Age NI have some very useful information in relation to the scheme on their website and also operate an advice line which can be contacted on 0808 808 7575. There will no doubt be a significant ramp up in demand as we get nearer to the closing date so again I ask people in Derry to move quickly if they feel that this scheme could be of benefit to them.”
Scheme criteria and contact details:
1. Are you a single person with an income or pension less than £18,000 per year gross?
2. Are you a couple with an income of less than £25,000 gross per year?
3. Are you a single parent family with an income of £25,000 or less?
4. Are you a single person or couple household with a pension of less than £30,000 gross and are aged over 70?
Note: Homeowners and private tenants can qualify. Free insulation up to a maximum value of £800 is available.
The insulation package includes; loft insulation up to the recommended 300mm, cavity wall insulation, hot water tank jacket and 4 energy light saving bulbs. Funding is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
If demand for the scheme for the scheme is exceeded, you may be placed on a reserve list until additional funding, if any, becomes available.
Complete the application form at www.ageni.org/insulation. Alternatively download an application form, complete and return to Age NI by email [email protected] or post to Age NI, 3 Lower Crescent, Belfast, BT7 1NR.
Once your application has been submitted Power NI will check your application and arrange a suitable date to survey your home within approximately four weeks.
What is needed:
To meet the criteria you will need to show the surveyor the following when they visit:
1. P60
2. Post office account statement
3. Letter from the Social Security Agency
Homeowners will also need to show:
1. Mortgage statement/letter
2. Letter from a bank or solicitor holding the deeds
3. Copy of your current buildings insurance certificate
Once the survey is complete Power NI will aim to have a contractor complete the work within a three to four week leadtime.
A quality inspection will be required once the work is complete and a date will be arranged with you.
If you need further assistance please contact the Age NI Advice & Advocacy Service on 0808 808 7575.
Applications must be submitted by 30 November.
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