Reconnect to a renewable resolution in 2008

With fluctuating fuel bills and the threat to the environment by fossil fuels, make renewable energy your New Year’s resolution in 2008.

Over 1600 private homes across Northern Ireland, ranging from small bungalows to large detached dwellings, are already enjoying the benefits of renewable energy, through government grant assistance with Reconnect.

Reconnect is the £8million Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) initiative. It offers grants of up to 50% to private homeowners seeking to install domestic renewable energy systems, ranging from solar hot water panels, small scale wind turbines, wood fuelled boilers and geothermal heat pumps.

Jenny Pyper, Director of Energy Division, DETI said: “Northern Ireland currently generates around 95% of its electricity through the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas. Reconnect makes renewable energy a cheaper, easier and more practical option for people to heat and power their homes.

“Following DETI’s launch of a new advertising campaign for Reconnect in September, people have been catching on to the benefits of renewable energy. To date, we have committed over £6million of Reconnect grant aid, allowing over 1600 private homeowners to install a range of renewable energy systems.

“The TV campaign will start again at the beginning of the New Year for a number of weeks, however time and grant funding for Reconnect are running out. I would encourage anyone considering a domestic renewable energy system to make the call today on 0800 0234 077 and take a step towards going green.”

Heat pumps are one of the most popular renewable energy systems available with Reconnect. There are several different types including, ground source, water source and air source. Local man Paul Kelly chose to install a ground source heat pump system along with a solar panel, earlier in 2007, to reduce his energy costs and carbon footprint.

Mr Kelly said: “The Ground Source Heat Pump provides the family with hot water 24/7, in any amount and always at a constant temperature. I would certainly recommend people take advantage of the Reconnect grant initiative. Grant aid of £3,000 went a good way pay for the system.”

Jenny concluded: “Saving money, whilst improving our environment, is a perfect New Year’s resolution. I thoroughly recommend investigating how Reconnect can help you install a renewable energy system into your home right away.”

To find out more about renewable energy systems call the helpline 0800 0234 077 or log onto the reconnect website . Alternatively text ENERGY to 60900 or email reconnect@detini.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. Reconnect is one part of the government’s £59.2million Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF). The aim of EREF is to enhance and accelerate renewable energy development and deployment in Northern Ireland.
2. Action Renewables is a Northern Ireland based organisation, set up to stimulate awareness of the issues associated with conventional energy use and of the range of solutions available through renewable energy technologies.
3. Press queries to DETI Press Office, Tel: 028 90529510.
4. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.