Bed and Breakfast facilities (B&Bs) across Northern Ireland will be shining brightly thanks to a new grant scheme launched by Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

NIE is offering a grant for B&Bs, guesthouses and the self–catering sector across Northern Ireland who would like to install a solar water heating system to help manage their demand for hot water and reduce their energy costs.

The NIE SMART Programme funding will offer successful applicants a grant for solar water heating of 25% of the installed cost, excluding VAT, capped at £2,500 per property. The funding support applies to B&Bs, guesthouses and the self-catering sector who can confirm that they are Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) certified tourist accommodation providers.

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This is a limited offer available on a 'first come, first served’ basis.

Speaking at the launch, Delta Hamilton from NIE Energy said: "I am delighted that the NIE SMART Programme is offering this new grant support for B&Bs. B&Bs tend to have a high demand for hot water to meet the showering and bathing requirements of their guests but by installing a solar water heating system, these establishments can reduce their dependence on immersion heaters which are expensive to run. A solar water heating system is capable of providing up to 60% of a property’s hot water needs every year, so significant savings can be made on a B&Bs heating bill and its carbon footprint. We hope that this new scheme will encourage B&Bs to consider the economic benefits of installing a renewable energy technology while also creating a more sustainable future."

The NIE SMART Programme is funded by Northern Ireland Electricity, the network company, and managed by NIE Energy.

(CD/KMcA)