Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy has announced a £2.17 million (€2.5 million) investment aimed at improving domestic energy efficiency, a move with direct implications for the wider Business Energy ecosystem. The funding, delivered through the NI Sustainable Energy Programme, will support insulation and energy-saving measures for more than 1,000 low-income households.

The programme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Utility Regulator and forms part of a broader strategy to reduce energy demand, lower carbon emissions, and stabilise long-term energy costs across the system. With this latest allocation, the Department’s total investment in domestic energy-efficiency measures has exceeded £5 million (€5.8 million) over the past three years.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the funding would enable practical interventions with immediate impact. “This funding will enable more than 1,000 low income households to install practical measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. These improvements will help reduce energy bills, improve comfort and warmth, and lower carbon emissions,” she said.

From a Business Energy perspective, the investment also supports local contractors, installers, and energy-efficiency service providers operating across Northern Ireland. Minister Archibald noted that the programme provides “a welcome boost to local businesses delivering energy-efficiency services”, reinforcing demand for skilled labour and supply chains aligned with the energy transition.

The Utility Regulator highlighted the long-term economic value of the scheme. Peter Russell, Executive Director for Price Controls, Networks and Energy Futures, said: “NISEP is about helping homes and businesses become more energy efficient, while also reducing carbon emissions.”

Discover how targeted efficiency funding is reshaping Northern Ireland’s Business Energy landscape and delivery market.

(Photo Credits to DFE)