Home Insulation Scheme

The national energy Efficiency Action Plan announced in 2008 set out the path to achieving the 2020 target of a 20% reduction in energy demand across the whole economy. The latest €100m National Insulation Programme, announced last month, will further contribute to meeting those targets. In addition to reducing the carbon emissions, this new government initiative will also reduce heating bills for householders and create jobs for the economy.

ESB is committed to working with the government on the achievement of these targets and in making sure that the economy is redirected onto a more sustainable footpath. As the biggest semi-state energy company, ESB recognises its role in demonstrating leadership in this area.

ESB Energy Services was established towards the latter part of 2008 as part of ESB's own Strategic Framework and Corporate Plan. Energy Services has been established to deliver trustworthy, high quality energy efficiency services to customers.

Energy efficiency improvement in the existing housing stock is critically important if Ireland is to meet its 2020 energy efficiency commitments. The first initiative now being launched by Energy Services is the Home Insulation Scheme.

ESB set aside a fund to alleviate the impact of rising energy costs on the most vulnerable in society. Part of the fund was given to Sustainable Energy Ireland for their Warmer Homes Scheme while the other part is being used by Energy Services, with the support of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) for the ESB Home Insulation Scheme.

ESB's Home Insulation Scheme offers householders who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance a free Home Insulation Package. This free offer includes the installation of home insulation products for attics, for cavity walls and for the hot water tank, as well as draught proofing and the provision of CFL energy efficient light bulbs.

Householders who live in other counties can apply to Sustainable Energy Ireland to avail of SEI's Warmer Homes Scheme which is a similar offer.

Energy Services is also developing a proposal that will encourage and facilitate householders to avail of SEI's new Home Efficiency Saving Scheme grants and to have a range of energy efficiency measures installed in their homes. The Energy Services' initiative will encompass a number of areas ranging from household energy-efficiency surveys and recommendations on energy saving remedial work for the householder, attractive financing options to help pay for the work and contact details for contractors who can carry out the work and the installations.

Details of SEI's Home Energy Saving Scheme grants can be found on their website www.sei.ie.