Energy Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the support available for domestic energy users wishing to switch to innovative renewable heating technologies.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme has been in place since May 2012 and already over 800 people have begun the process of introducing more environmentally friendly heating systems in their homes.

The Premium Payment scheme provides support for those wishing to move away from fossil fuels and instead utilise renewable technologies such as biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal panels. To date, DETI has committed in excess of £1.2million worth of grant support for new installations; this represents an overall investment in the market of over £4.1million.

Arlene Foster said: "It is encouraging to see more and more people embrace new innovative methods to heat their homes.

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"For too long, Northern Ireland consumers have had limited choice when it came to how their homes and businesses were heated. With the support available from my Department for renewable technologies, as well as the continued expansion of the natural gas network, the energy market in Northern Ireland is becoming more diverse, more competitive and more sustainable."

The Premium Payment scheme will continue in Northern Ireland until a longer-term scheme is designed and developed. Work is underway to implement a Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) whereby consumers installing renewable heat would receive ongoing payments rather than upfront grant support. A similar mechanism has been in place for non-domestic customers since November 2012 and a number of businesses have already moved to renewable heat and availed of ongoing support via the RHI.

Arlene Foster added: "I hope to soon launch a consultation on the expansion of the RHI and the introduction of a long term scheme for domestic customers. I believe that an ongoing support mechanism is favourable to a grant scheme as it demonstrates my Department’s continued commitment to this sector. The RHPP scheme has been successful in generating momentum in the market and increased consumer confidence; I expect the scheme to remain in place until a clear position on the domestic RHI is announced."

(CD/H)