Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has reminded residents of its Energy Efficiency service ahead of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.

So far this winter the Council has distributed 'Keep Warm' packs to the vulnerable and those living with mobility issues or underlying health concerns. The Council's Energy Efficiency service is funded in partnership with the Public Health Agency.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said: "If you're struggling to afford to heat your home during the winter months help could be at hand. There are several organisations in Causeway Coast and Glens that may be able to help."

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The grants available to households are funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) or the Utility Regulator. These grants can help to create more energy efficient heating systems and thermally efficient homes.

A new oil condensing boiler will save a household an average of £500 - £600 per year meanwhile proper insulation of a hot water cylinder could lead to an average saving of £100 per year.

You may be eligible for a grant if any of the following applies to your home:

• Heating Boiler over 15 years old

• Boiler is broken beyond repair

• Solid Fuel Heating only

• Liquid Petroleum Gas heating only

• Electric Heating only e.g. Economy 7

• Single Glazed, poorly fitting or rotten windows

• Less that 270mm (approximately 11 inches) depth of insulation in your attic

• No cavity wall insulation

Grants can also be used to change from oil to gas when available, this is subject to applicants meeting the relevant criteria.

Research by the University of York has forecasted a fuel poverty level in Northern Ireland as 71.1 per cent, which is the worst of all the UK regions. The prediction equates to 551,000 households, or 1,419,000 people, struggling to heat their homes in Northern Ireland.