Free Central Heating Scheme Switched On

16/07/2007

You may be used to popping into your local Gordons Chemist to pick up a prescription or get advice and a cure for an ailment but now, thanks to a scheme from Northern Ireland Electricity, you can also find out about free central heating systems on offer.  
 
Funded by the NIE Energy Efficiency Programme, the ‘Healthy Homes’ scheme aims to replace a number of inadequate heating systems free of charge in households in the Banbridge area.  
 
Through the scheme eligible households will be entitled to a free heating conversion along with insulation upgrades where necessary.  
 
NIE’s Claire McCambridge recently visited Gordons Chemists on Newry Street, one of the chemists taking part, to officially switch the scheme on. She said:  
“A cold home or one that is costing more than it should to heat isn’t good for the well being of those living in it who have poor health.  
 
“Through this scheme, NIE hopes to help householders with ill health to at least feel more comfortable in a well heated and insulated home.”  
 
To qualify for the scheme the household must satisfy the following criteria:  
· Owner occupied or private rental tenant  
· Economy 7 / solid fuel / no heating system / old or inefficient oil heating system  
· Long term health problems (e.g. respiratory related illnesses, disability)  
· Not eligible under current heating replacement schemes, e.g. Warm Homes Plus  
 
Gordons Chemists are renowned across Northern Ireland for their proactive community based health campaigns, which are aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles.  
Helena Buchanan, Head of Health Promotions with Gordons added:  
 
“We are always on the look out for new and innovative ways to help our customers and this NIE scheme fits perfectly with our own ethos.  
 
“We will be able to signpost these services to our existing customers who our staff feel may be eligible. Our staff are well placed in the heart of the local community to recognise and identify those people who are vulnerable due to illnesses which are exasperated by being cold.”  
 
Eligible households will get a free heating conversion to oil or gas, cavity wall and loft insulation where required and four low energy light bulbs. Participating Gordons Chemists are Newry Street and Linenhall Street in Banbridge, Sugar Island in Newry, Church Street and the Square in Warrenpoint, Main Street and Dromore Street in Rathriland, High Street in Enniskillen and Main Street in Irvinestown.  
 
Managed by the Northern Ireland Energy Agency, there are limited spaces available on the ‘Healthy Homes’ scheme and each application will be assessed on an individual basis.  
If you think you may qualify, contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.  

Back to news stories.