Energy Advice and Support Services

Please click on the links below to be brought directly to that section:

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Save money on your energy bills

  • There are many different gas and electricity companies operating in Ireland. It is a good idea to shop around for the best value.
  • If you have central heating, get your boiler serviced every year. This will improve your boiler’s efficiency and could save you up to €150 over a year.
  • Lowering your thermostat by 1ºC will cut your heating bill by about 10%. But don’t turn down your heating below the level recommended on your temperature card. It’s important to stay warm.
  • If you’re buying a new room heater, choose one with a thermostat as it costs less to run. A thermostat responds to changes in temperature and automatically turns the heating on and off as required to maintain a comfortable temperature.
  • During very cold weather, it may be cheaper to heat just one room and use it for living and sleeping. Get your family or friends to prepare a bed in your living area.
  • Have a good lagging jacket fitted to your hot water cylinder. It will keep water warmer for longer.
  • If possible, use your central heating boiler instead of your immersion heater to heat water.
  • Use the timers on your immersion or boiler to control when the heating comes on and goes off. This will give you heat and hot water when and where you want it.
  • Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby. This will save up to 20% of the energy that your appliances use.
  • If you are buying new appliances such as fridges, washing machines or dishwashers, choose ‘A’ energy-rated appliances as these cost less to run.
  • Only fill your kettle with as much water as you will need.
  • When using your washing machine or dishwasher, wash full loads. This costs less than washing two half loads.
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use only 20% of the energy which traditional bulbs use and last up to 10 times longer.
  • Only use the lights you need and switch off lights when you leave a room.

 

Check www.seai.ie/powerofone for further tips on saving energy.

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What one unit of electricity can buy you:

image of table detailing what one unit of electricity can buy you

This table indicates how long each appliance will run for on one unit of electricity. These figures give an average usage guide. Actual usage will depend on the age and efficiency of appliances.

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Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme

(previously the Warmer Homes Scheme)

Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme logo

If you can’t afford to keep your home warm and comfortable or to pay your fuel and electricity bills, you may be eligible for the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme. Through this scheme a range of energy-saving measures may be installed in your home, at no cost to you. These measures include:

  • draught-proofing;
  • attic insulation;
  • lagging jackets for hot water tanks;
  • low energy light bulbs; and
  • cavity wall insulation.

 

Energy advice is also provided as part of this service.

 

You may be eligible for the scheme if:

  • you own your own home;
  • your home was built before 2002; and
  • you get the Fuel Allowance (part of the National Fuel Scheme).

 

The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and delivered through community organisations and private contractors appointed by SEAI.

For more information, call the Better Energy Warmer Homes helpdesk on LoCall 1800 250 204.

 

Note: Please note that the energy measures listed above and eligibility criteria for the scheme may change.

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Housing aid for older people

This scheme helps older people to have essential repairs or improvements carried out on their homes. Funding is available for:

  • structural repairs or improvements;
  • re-wiring;
  • repairing or replacing windows and doors;
  • installing central heating, insulation, water and sanitary services such as toilets, sinks and showers;
  • contract-cleaning and painting;
  • dealing with radon gas; and
  • other necessary improvement works.

The particular grant you may receive depends on your household income.

 

For more information or to apply for the scheme, please contact your local authority directly.

Power cuts

Keep a torch beside your bed and in your living room in case of power cuts. Check the batteries regularly.

You can call ESB Networks on 1850 372 999 to find out when your electricity will be restored. Call Bord Gáis Networks on 1850 600 294 to see when your natural gas may be restored.

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