Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the Scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,620.

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:

-Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;

-Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;

-Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;

-In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements.

The average cost of achieving a Building Energy Rating (BER) B2 in each of the years 2019 to 2022 (to end April) is set out in the Table below.

*Please note: Costs provided include VAT