Scheme launched to subsidise energy efficient work on homes

The energy ministry on Tuesday unveiled a subsidy scheme aimed at owners who want to upgrade their homes and make them more energy efficient.

The scheme, whose first stage is expected to be launched in March, has a budget of €70m for the next seven years.

The maximum grant will reach 60 per cent of the cost. Vulnerable groups will receive 80 per cent.

The government scheme will cover heat insulation, replacement of doors and windows, solar water heaters, air-conditioning, heat pumps, photovoltaics, batteries, and smart energy management systems.

It would also cover part of the cost of the studies needed as part of the scheme.

The scheme will not entail submission of tenders, invoices, and receipts, as every job has a predefined cost. The costs are based on real expenditure data subsidised through previous plans.

It will need the data of a study, which will be confirmed by an on-sight visit.

Applicants would need a copy of their title deed, a copy of the building permit, an electricity bill, an energy certificate issued before the upgrade, the expected measurements after the upgrade along with a list of the cost of each job, and a statement from an expert.