Hi °C | Lo °C HOMEOWNERS have saved an average of €875 a year in their energy bills by making their properties warmer and cheaper to heat.
Some 150 homeowners a day are availing of grants to help meet the cost of insulating walls and attics and replacing old, less-efficient boilers.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) said 40,000 homes – or 150 per working day – had drawn down grants totalling €70m last year, which had helped maintain 4,000 jobs.
SEAI chief executive Dr Brian Motherway said making homes and businesses more efficient would help lower costs and create jobs. Grants ranging from €200 for attic insulation to €560 for a boiler upgrade are available from the SEAI.
"What has been achieved shows what is possible, but it is only the start. SEAI will be supporting all homes and businesses that want to reduce their energy bills," he said.
The Government is working on a new 'Pay as you Save' scheme, where banks would finance upgrades to be paid back on utility bills.
Irish Independent
