Changes to the Affordable Warmth Scheme

Following an announcement in June, changes to the Affordable Warmth Scheme have come into effect from 1 September 2023.

Funded by the Department for Communities, the Affordable Warmth Scheme (AWS) will be delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

It is designed to help those on lower incomes, and who are living in private accommodation, with the costs of energy efficiency measures. In doing so, it can assist households which may be experiencing fuel poverty, while delivering wider environmental benefits through more efficient homes.

Despite budgetary pressures, the Scheme has been extended for a further two years, meaning the current Scheme will continue until March 2026.  £14m is available this year for energy efficiency works to the homes of fuel poor households.

You may be entitled to help under the Scheme if you: 

1. Own your own home and occupy it as your sole or main residence, or rent from a Private Sector landlord, and  
2. Have a total gross annual household income of less than £23,000.

Individuals can now apply to the scheme through the Northern Ireland Energy Advice Service:

• Free phone number – 0800 111 44 55
• Website – The Housing Executive - Affordable Warmth Scheme (nihe.gov.uk)
• E-mail – nienergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk

The NI Energy Advice Line Service provides free, comprehensive advice and support on how to save energy in the home and eligibility for help to improve energy efficiency.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Affordable Warmth Scheme is targeted at low-income households and delivered across Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

2. The AWS is aimed at homeowners and private renters most likely to be in severe to extreme fuel poverty and offers a grant of up to £7,500 (£10,000 for solid wall measures) to improve the thermal efficiency of their homes through a range of insulation and heating measures.

3. The AWS offers a range of prioritised energy efficiency measures including:  

• Loft and Cavity Wall insulation;
• Installation/upgrade of heating systems;
• Replacement of single glazed windows;
• Provision of Solid Wall insulation; and
• Boiler replacement (For Householders with children under 16 years old, or who receive Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment or are aged Over 65 and have an existing boiler that is at least 15 years old).
   

4. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
    
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    
6. Follow us on twitter @CommunitiesNI

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