A £1 million scheme has been launched to address fuel poverty in the Newry, Mourne and Down district.

Developed by firmus energy in partnership with the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme, 'Home Comfort 50/50' offers homeowners the chance to switch to natural gas and improve the energy efficiency of their property.

The scheme will offer a range of benefits including half the cost of a natural gas installation, a remote smart thermostat, fully funded insulation measures and free LED lightbulbs.

Following a successful meeting with firmus energy, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Charlie Casey said: "We are very pleased to support firmus energy at the launch of the new 'Home Comfort 50/50' scheme. Eligible Newry, Mourne and Down residents may benefit from this grant, which will offer significant financial help towards switching their homes to natural gas.

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"There are a limited number of grants available which will offer significant financial help towards switching to natural gas, so any residents interested should contact firmus energy directly. Natural gas offers a cleaner, more efficient and responsive home heating system in comparison to oil. The added insulation package will allow families to save even more which will help to lower household bills.”

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on energy costs, so improving household energy efficiency is one of the easiest and quickest way to get out of fuel poverty.

To find out if you are eligible for the Home Comfort 50/50 scheme, visit www.firmusenergy.co.uk/offers or speak to one of the firmus energy advisors on 0800 032 4567.

(CM/MH)