Confused

What is the current position?

How much are you paying for ALL your energy consumption? Bring receipts together.

- 12 months of electricity bills? - Perhaps €1,800.

- 12 months Oil or Gas? Perhaps €1,500.

- 12 months coal? Perhaps €600.

- 12 months petrol/diesel? Perhaps €1,500.

Next you need to get a Home Energy Assessment carried out by a registered assessor. More details at the information event and there will be assistance for the application.

If you qualify for the fuel allowance or certain social welfare allowances you are eligible to get a lot of this work done for free under the Warmer Homes Scheme. A project manager will be appointed who will manage the process from start to finish, including all paperwork. More details available at the Sep 16th.

For people who don't qualify for the above scheme there is the option of either doing Individual Upgrades or using a One Stop Shop.

Individual Upgrades involves completing the work in phases, usually over a number of years, paying as you go. The Home Energy Assessment will indicate the best sequence for upgrades. As a general rule the roof/attic is first priority followed by walls. This gives biggest gains at lowest cost. This approach can be suitable to people with some technical knowledge who are comfortable handling applications and paperwork.

One Stop Shop provides a project manager to complete the upgrades. In this case the manager will outline the work being done and the costs of each element. Usually it will result in a Heat Pump being installed, but every situation is unique. A Solar Panel system may also be included. It is important to remember that the manager provides the expertise and advice but the decisions rest with the householder.

The project manager will manage all paperwork and claim all grants, the householders pays the NET cost AFTER the grant amount is deducted. Typical costs to the householder are between €30,000 and €50,000. Banks and Credit unions provide government backed low cost loans to householders for this scheme. AIB, PTSB and Journi credit union will be in attendance at the event to provide assistance and advice. The One Stop Shop approach is very successful, there will be locals at the event who will be happy to share their experiences.