The right advice and support could help you manage your energy costs. Explore what free help may be available to you.
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Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in Northern Ireland.
Join Energy Saving Week on 23 November 2026 for its 26th year!
Find practical ways to:
- use less energy
- cut your energy bills
- reduce your carbon footprint
Start saving this week
- Day 1 – Find help with your energy costs
- Day 2 – Make the most of your heating
- Day 3 – Keep your heat in
- Day 4 – Cut appliance running costs
- Day 5 – Explore Northern Ireland’s energy future
You can also join in the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Day 1 – Find help with your energy costs
Day 2 – Make the most of your heating
Small changes to how you use and control your heating can help keep your home comfortable while reducing energy use and lowering bills.
These simple changes can help you stay warm, reduce waste and get more from your heating system.
Day 3 - Keep your heat in
You don’t always need major upgrades to create a warmer, more comfortable home. Simple steps like draught-proofing and improving ventilation can help reduce energy waste, improve comfort and lower your energy bills.
Explore our guides on:
Day 4 – Cut your appliance running costs
Knowing which appliances use the most electricity could help you find ways to save. Discover where you could cut running costs.
Appliances that heat up, use hot water or run for long periods of time often offer the biggest opportunities to save energy.
Our top 10 highest electricity users based on typical annual running costs* include:
| Dehumidifier | £380 |
| Washing machine | £340 |
| Tumble dryer | £270 |
| Portable heater | £270 |
| Shower | £170 |
| Microwave | £130 |
| Dishwasher | £95 |
| Kettle | £95 |
| Hair dryer | £85 |
| Coffee machine | £70 |
Day 5 – Explore Northern Ireland’s energy future
The way we heat our homes and use energy is changing. New technologies are helping households reduce carbon emissions, lower energy use and take greater control of their energy.
Heat pumps: low carbon heating for your home
Heat pumps are a low carbon alternative to traditional heating systems and they are three times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler. They use electricity to capture heat from the outside and bring it into your home, providing heating and hot water efficiently.
Solar panels: get free electricity to power your home
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, even on cloudy days, helping to power your home, charge electric vehicles, and reduce reliance on the grid.
However, when solar panels generate electricity don’t always always match when you use your energy.
For example, heat pumps and other devices don’t always use electricity when it’s cheapest. Battery storage solves this by storing energy, allowing you to use electricity when it’s affordable or available.
Smart meters: more control over your energy use
Smart meters aren’t yet available in Northern Ireland, but they’re planned to be rolled out in 2028. They could help you understand your energy use and, with smart tariffs, access lower electricity prices at certain times of day.
Northern Ireland‘s energy future is already taking shape. Exploring new technologies today could help you create a warmer, more efficient home tomorrow.
Working in partnership to help Northern Ireland save energy
Energy Saving Week is run in collaboration with the Housing Executive, Utility Regulator, Power NI, Phoenix Energy, Bryson Energy, the Consumer Council, Kinecx Energy, NEA NI, Apex Housing Association, Clanmil Housing, Choice Housing, NIFHA, Evolve and Radius Housing.
Useful resources
Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme
The NISEP fund is collected from all Northern Ireland electricity customers through a public service obligation.
Blog
Energy grants for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme provides grants to support businesses and low-income households with energy saving.