20 November 2002
£82 MILLION SAVED DUE TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY
"Warmer homes, lower bills and a healthier environment have resulted from our focus on Home Energy Efficiency" Des Browne, MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development, said today.
The Minister was speaking at the Belfast Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, where he was presented with the sixth annual Home Energy Conservation Report by Housing Executive Chairman, Sid McDowell, CBE.
Mr McDowell said: "Northern Ireland households have saved £82 million off their fuel bills by becoming 13pc more energy efficient in the past five years. People are now getting more heat out of the fuel they use and keeping it where it is needed as long as possible."
The Minister said the Housing Executive’s success was due to the efforts of a number of organisations working in partnership:
"Together, agencies across the public, private and community sectors have raised consumers’ awareness and encouraged them to alter their behaviour, and they have helped to transform the energy market. This approach is making a real difference to people’s lives, and helping to protect our environment.
"The Housing Executive can be very proud of its contribution to meeting the targets for home energy conservation, and I know it will continue to innovate and improve."
Anyone seeking advice on energy efficiency can obtain an Energy Efficiency Action Pack by contacting the following freefone number 0800 512012.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Housing Executive is designated as the Home Energy Conservation Authority for Northern Ireland. It has been asked by Government to achieve a 34pc reduction in home fuel use over the 10 year period from 1996.
2. The 13pc reduction in home energy consumption represents an environmental saving of more than two million tons of carbon dioxide each year.
3. Copies of the Home Energy Conservation Report 2002 are available from the NI Housing Executive, tel: 028 9031 8701.
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