The new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme offers increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump, up from the previous level of 30-35%.
The scheme introduces a new way to undertake home energy upgrades with SEAI registered one stop shops providing an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying the home; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors to deliver the work; and quality assuring the work.
The one stop shop service is available to homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) whose property or home was built and occupied prior to 2011. Vacant or derelict properties can access the Scheme in line with the scheme guidelines. Other key elements of the Scheme include:
- Homeowners will make applications to the Scheme through SEAI-registered, privately-owned one stop shops.
- Grants will be paid through the one stop shops. This will have the effect of reducing the financial burden on homeowners as they will only be required to fund the costs net of the grant amount.
- Grants are available for Home Energy Assessments; Heat Pumps; Wall and Roof Insulation; Solar PV; Windows and Doors; Ventilation Systems; Project Management; as well as a Launch Bonus.
- Homes upgraded under the scheme must reach a post works BER rating of B2 or better.
- All homes must deliver a minimum primary energy uplift of at least 100 kWh/m2/year.
A new system is being established by the SEAI which will streamline and automate the grant application process. One stop shops will provide homeowners with the appropriate documents in electronic and paper form, as required.
Registration for companies wishing to apply to be a one stop shop is now underway. It is expected that the first one stop shops will be registered within the coming weeks. Homeowners can then make applications for upgrades.
