Northern Ireland Energy Grants: NISEP and Affordable Warmth 2026

Northern Ireland energy grants provide vital support for households struggling with some of the highest fuel poverty rates in the UK. With programmes like the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP), the Affordable Warmth scheme, and Housing Executive grants, eligible homeowners can access free insulation, boiler replacements, and heating system upgrades. This guide explains every scheme available to NI households in 2026, including eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and how to apply.

What Energy Grants Are Available in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland operates its own energy grant schemes separate from England, Scotland and Wales. The two main programmes are the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) and the Affordable Warmth scheme, which together provide free boiler replacements, insulation and heating upgrades to eligible households across all council areas.

• Affordable Warmth — fully funded improvements including boiler replacement, insulation and windows for homeowners with a household income below £23,000
• NISEP — energy efficiency measures funded by a levy on electricity bills, delivered through utility companies and approved contractors
• Boiler Replacement Allowance — a grant of up to £1,000 towards replacing a boiler that is over 15 years old (income threshold applies)
• Winter Fuel Payment — £200–£300 for pensioners receiving qualifying benefits
• Make the Call — a free helpline that checks your eligibility for all available benefits and grants at once

Northern Ireland does not have access to the ECO4 scheme or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which only cover Great Britain. However, the Affordable Warmth scheme offers similar levels of support for low-income homeowners. Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on 03448 920 900 or use the Make the Call service on 0800 232 1271 to check what you qualify for.

Why Northern Ireland Faces Unique Energy Challenges

Northern Ireland has the highest rate of fuel poverty in the UK, with approximately 24% of households spending more than 10% of their income on energy. Several factors contribute to this.

• Over 68% of homes use oil heating, which is subject to volatile international pricing
• The housing stock includes a high proportion of older, poorly insulated properties
• Northern Ireland has a separate energy market from Great Britain, with different suppliers and pricing structures
• Average incomes are lower than the UK average, making energy costs proportionally more burdensome

These challenges make the available grant programmes even more important for NI households. Here is a breakdown of every scheme you can access.

NISEP: The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme

NISEP is Northern Ireland’s primary energy efficiency funding programme. Funded by a levy on all NI electricity customers, it provides approximately 8 million per year for energy improvements in homes across Northern Ireland.

The programme is administered by the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland and delivered through energy suppliers and approved scheme managers. At least 80% of the funding is ring-fenced for vulnerable and low-income customers, known as Priority Group households.

Who Qualifies as a NISEP Priority Group Customer?

You qualify as a Priority Group customer if you meet any of the following criteria.

• You receive a means-tested benefit (Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance)
• You have a household income below 28,000
• You are aged 70 or over
• You have a disability or long-term health condition
• You have children under 16 in the household

What Does NISEP Fund?

NISEP covers the following measures, with the exact availability depending on the current scheme year and which providers are delivering.

• Loft insulation (top-up or full installation)
• Cavity wall insulation
• Boiler replacement (oil and gas)
• Heating controls
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Hot water cylinder jackets
• Draught-proofing

The value of improvements varies, but a typical NISEP package is worth 1,500 to 4,000 depending on the measures installed.

Affordable Warmth Scheme

The Affordable Warmth scheme is Northern Ireland’s most generous energy efficiency programme for low-income households. Funded by the Department for Communities and administered by local councils, it provides free energy improvements to homeowners with a gross household income below specific thresholds.

Affordable Warmth Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria.

• You must own or privately rent your home in Northern Ireland
• Your total household income must be below 28,000 (or 35,000 if anyone in the household receives certain disability benefits)
• Your property must need energy efficiency improvements
• You must not have received Affordable Warmth funding in the previous five years for the same measures

The income threshold of 28,000 is based on gross household income, meaning the total income of all adults living in the property before tax and deductions.

What Improvements Are Funded?

The scheme takes a whole-house approach, and a surveyor will assess your property to determine the most effective combination of measures. A household receiving a boiler, insulation, and window upgrades could receive improvements worth 8,000 to 12,000 at no cost.

Housing Executive Energy Efficiency Grants

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) operates several grant programmes for homeowners, including energy efficiency-related support.

Discretionary Grants

NIHE discretionary grants can cover repairs and improvements including heating system replacements and insulation. The grant amount depends on your circumstances, with priority given to vulnerable households. Contact your local NIHE office for an assessment.

Disabled Facilities Grant

While primarily for adaptations, the Disabled Facilities Grant can cover heating improvements where they relate to a disability need. Grants of up to 25,000 are available for essential adaptations including heating modifications.

How to Apply for Northern Ireland Energy Grants

The application route depends on which scheme you are targeting.

Applying for NISEP

NISEP schemes are delivered by approved providers who change each scheme year. The easiest route is to contact the NI Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455 (freephone). They can identify which NISEP providers are currently active and whether you qualify as a Priority Group customer.

Applying for Affordable Warmth

Contact your local council, which administers the Affordable Warmth scheme in your area. You can also be referred through the NIHE, a housing advice centre, or by calling the NI Energy Advice Service. You will need to provide proof of income for all adults in the household.

Applying for Housing Executive Grants

Contact your local NIHE office directly or call 03448 920 900. A grants officer will visit your property to assess what work is needed and whether you qualify for financial assistance.

Other Support for NI Households

Beyond the main grant programmes, Northern Ireland households can access several additional forms of support.

• Warm Home Discount – The 150 electricity bill rebate is being extended to Northern Ireland, though the rollout timeline differs from Great Britain
• Winter Fuel Payment – Pension-age adults in NI receive 100 to 200 towards winter heating costs
• Cold Weather Payment – 25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather, paid automatically to qualifying benefit recipients
• Oil buying clubs – Community oil buying cooperatives can reduce heating oil costs by 5-10% through bulk purchasing
• Heat pump support – The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not operate in NI, but heat pump installations may be funded through Affordable Warmth or NISEP for eligible households

Comparing Northern Ireland Energy Grants

If your income is below the thresholds, the Affordable Warmth scheme typically offers the most comprehensive package of improvements. For higher-income households, exploring insulation and solar panel options through private installation with a view to long-term savings is often the best approach. Get a free quote to explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free boiler replacement in Northern Ireland?

Yes. Both the Affordable Warmth scheme and NISEP can fund free boiler replacements for eligible households. The Affordable Warmth scheme covers oil and gas boilers, while NISEP availability depends on the current scheme year providers. Contact the NI Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455 to check your eligibility.

Is the ECO4 scheme available in Northern Ireland?

ECO4 applies primarily to Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). Northern Ireland has its own separate energy efficiency programmes, primarily NISEP and Affordable Warmth. Some UK-wide energy suppliers may offer ECO-style measures in NI, but this is not guaranteed. Contact your energy supplier directly to ask about any available programmes.

What if my income is just above the 28,000 threshold?

If your income slightly exceeds the threshold, you may still qualify for NISEP support if you meet other vulnerability criteria such as age, disability, or having young children. Additionally, if anyone in your household receives disability benefits, the Affordable Warmth income threshold increases to 35,000. Always apply and let the assessment determine your eligibility rather than self-excluding.

How long does the Affordable Warmth scheme take from application to installation?

The typical timeline is 8 to 16 weeks from initial application to completed work. This includes the income assessment, property survey, approval, and scheduling of contractors. More complex installations may take longer, particularly if multiple measures are being installed or if the work requires planning permission.