Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants

Affordable Warmth Scheme – AWS

The Affordable Warmth Scheme is run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and addresses the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency for homeowners and private tenants across Northern Ireland.

The scheme is directed at low income households and provides grant aid to improve energy efficiency measures within your home.

Grants of up to £7,500 are available through the Affordable Warmth Scheme. The grant will depend on the energy efficiency measures the NIHE Technical Officer recommends. However, should your home be of solid wall construction higher grant-aid of up to £10,000 may be available.

You should not have to contribute to the work agreed through the Scheme.

Measures Funded Under AWS

The Affordable Warmth Scheme covers a wide range of energy efficiency measures. A whole house approach is taken and you must complete each measure in the order of priority which is as follows:

Priority 1 – Insulation / Ventilation / Draught-proofing

  • installation or topping up of loft insulation to 300mm
  • roof/loft/eaves ventilation
  • providing a hot water cylinder jacket
  • providing cavity wall insulation (if suitable for the property)
  • draught proofing doors and/or windows
  • removal and replacement of ineffective cavity wall insulation

Priority 2 – Heating

  • replace solid fuel, LPG or Economy 7 by providing natural gas or oil central heating
  • converting Economy 7 to high efficiency electrical storage system (if gas and oil are not available)
  • boiler replacement / system upgrade for homes. Boiler must be at least 15 years old and the householder:
    • is over 65
    • has a child in receipt of child benefit or Kinship payments
    • receives disability living allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Attendance Allowance/Industrial Injuries Benefit

Priority 3 – Windows

  • replace single glazed windows

Priority 4 – Solid Wall Measures

Insulating solid wall properties is expensive. So it is expected that you to complete the other measures first.

  • provide solid wall insulation

You may be offered energy efficiency measures from more than one of the priority groups listed.

Eligibility For An AWS Grant

To be eligible for an Affordable Warmth Scheme grant you need to:

  • live in Northern Ireland
  • own and occupy your property as your main home
  • have your day / life interest in the house
  • rent from a private landlord
  • have a total annual gross income of less than £23,000

It is not available for tenants living in social housing; you are not eligible if you are a Housing Executive or housing association tenant.

In addition the property itself must not be:

  • holiday home
  • bed & breakfast
  • commercial establishment

There is a proviso stating that grants are subject to the availability of funding!

How To  Apply For An Affordable Warmth Scheme Grant

To make an application to the Affordable Warmth Scheme, customers can contact The NI Energy Advice Service (NIEAS) by:

AWS - Northern Ireland Energy Advice Enquiry