What is Energy Saving Trust’s role in NISEP?
We administer NISEP on behalf of the Utility Regulator.
What is the role of scheme managers in NISEP?
Scheme managers are responsible for delivering schemes and are the first point of contact for NISEP applications. Scheme managers registered under NISEP must follow the terms and conditions set out by the Utility Regulator in the NISEP Framework Document.
Where can I find out what NISEP schemes are available?
The list of schemes shows the schemes currently available. This includes what the schemes offer (eg renewables, home energy efficiency improvements) and how to contact the relevant scheme manager. Scheme managers can help you find out if you’re eligible and apply for support.
You can also get independent energy advice and up-to-date grant information by contacting the Northern Ireland Energy Advice Service:
Who is eligible for NISEP schemes?
Homeowners, private tenants and non-domestic or commercial properties might be eligible.
Eligibility can also depend on:
- your income
- housing tenure
- where you live
Check the list of schemes for the full criteria for each scheme.
Do I have to pay for work under NISEP?
Work under NISEP is either fully funded or you might need pay a contribution depending on the level of your household income. The scheme manager will check this and let you know any potential costs as part of your application.
Check the list of schemes for full details. Additional terms and conditions may apply and will be provided by the scheme manager.
How is income determined?
Your total gross household income is assessed, not your outgoings. You’ll need to show proof of your total gross household income. This includes:
- wages
- benefits
- pensions
- any other income
Income from anyone under 18 who lives at the address is not included.
Can I apply for NISEP funding for a second home?
No. Funding is only available for the applicant’s primary residence.
What measures can I get through NISEP?
NISEP offers a package of energy efficiency measures suitable for your property. A survey will be carried out to identify which measures can be installed.
Measures vary by scheme to scheme but can include:
- heating systems
- loft insulation
- cavity wall insulation
Most schemes also offer additional measures if your home is suitable. These may include:
- LED light bulbs
- low-flow or eco shower heads
- hot water tank jackets
- reflective radiator panels
- draught proofing measures
- remote smart heating controls
How do I apply for a NISEP scheme?
Contact the relevant scheme manager. They’ll help you through the application process. They’ll also let you know about any specific terms and conditions which may not be included in the list of schemes. Terms and conditions may vary between schemes.
Can I apply to NISEP on behalf of someone else?
You need written consent is needed from everyone who owns the property for all measures being installed before your application is approved.
You’ll also need to provide proof of your total gross household income so the scheme manager can check you meet the income criteria. Everyone living in the home who is included in the income check must sign a declaration to confirm the information provided is correct.
You’ll also need to provide evidence to the scheme manager if:
- the property has been gifted to you, but someone else still has the right to live there (sometimes called having a life interest).
What documents do I need to apply to NISEP?
Before work can go ahead, you’ll need to provide evidence of:
- your total household income (eg wage slips or a P60)
- who owns the property (eg a mortgage statement or property deeds)
- permission from all homeowners for work to be carried out
A technical survey of your home will be carried out to check which measures are suitable. The survey makes sure the work meets building regulations and programme requirements.
If I am only eligible for a cashback or part-funded NISEP scheme, and not a fully funded grant, how is payment made?
Your scheme manager will send you a written quotation. This will give you a breakdown of the costs, including how much you need to pay and how much NISEP will cover.
The quotation will also explain when payment is due and who you need to pay. This might be the scheme manager or the installer if they are different companies.
The quotation will include a summary of what will be installed and the relevant costs.
In most cases, payment is made after the work has been installed, although a customer deposit may be required.
Once the work is done, you’ll receive an invoice confirming the total cost of the work and any payment due.
The invoice should clearly show:
- any deposit you’ve already paid
- the NISEP contribution
- the outstanding balance left to pay
How long does installation take?
Installation time depends on the number and type of measures being installed. For example, if you are having a heating upgrade, a gas meter or oil tank may need to be fitted before work to replace the boiler can start. This is likely to add to the installation time.
The scheme manager will be able to provide a timescale for installation.
What type of heating system can be installed under NISEP?
Scheme managers will be able to confirm what heating system options are available when you apply.
The aim of NISEP is to reduce carbon emissions. If natural gas is not available at the property, other types of electric heating may be installed in homes with:
- no existing central heating
- solid fuel heating
- electric room heaters used as the main heat source
- Economy 7
Properties with oil heating at the time of application will be able to have a replacement oil system installed if natural gas is not available.
If I have an oil or natural gas boiler which is still working, can I apply for funding to replace the boiler?
If your existing oil or gas boiler is over 15 years old, you might be eligible for whole house solution schemes. Please check the scheme criteria in the list of schemes.
Older boilers, especially those over 15 years old, are usually much less efficient to run.
I am building an extension to my property. Can I apply for NISEP funding as I need to upgrade my heating system?
The following are not eligible for NISEP funding:
- self-build properties under construction
- new build properties and older houses that are having building works undertaken to extend the property
Am I eligible for NISEP if I have applied for the Housing Executive Affordable Warmth Scheme?
You’ll be asked during the application process if you have been accepted for any other grant-funded programme, or accepted grants in the past, for the same measure.
If you’ve already had funding for a measure from another grant programme
You can’t get NISEP funding for a measure that you’ve already had installed by applying to another grant programme.
For example: if you’ve had an application approved under another grant programme (eg Affordable Warmth) for loft insulation, you can’t get NISEP funding for loft insulation. You may still be eligible for funding for other measures.
If you’ve had a grant within the last 15 years for the same measure at the same property
If you have accepted a grant within the last 15 years for the same measure at the same property, you can’t get NISEP funding. Exceptional circumstances may be considered where boilers are broken beyond economic repair.
What will happen if funds run out for the scheme I apply for?
Funding is limited and if a scheme has more applications than funding available, a priority system may be used to decide who gets support first. This helps make sure that, if more funding becomes available, help goes to the people who need it most.
The scheme manager may keep a waiting list of applicants which you can join. Joining a waiting list does not guarantee that you’ll be accepted for funding.
What if a scheme I apply for is closed and no further funds are available?
If a scheme is fully subscribed and has already closed, you won’t be able to join a waiting list.
The scheme manager should let you know if there are any similar open schemes or alternative schemes available. In some cases, these may be run by different NISEP scheme managers but provide the same amount of funding.
You can contact the Northern Ireland Energy Advice Service on 0800 111 4455 (open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) to find out what grants are available.
Is there a redecoration grant available?
There is no financial support available to redecorate your property once measures have been installed under NISEP.
Who is responsible for planning permission/Building Control?
If Building Control or planning permission is required, NISEP may cover the costs. Your installer or scheme manager will explain the process and timeline before the work begins. They’ll also make the application for you.
You’ll need to complete the process by arranging a suitable time for a Building Control survey and being at the property for any inspection.
Is there a boiler warranty provided for a NISEP installation?
Yes. The scheme manager or installer will provide information about the warranty and any specific terms and conditions needed to keep the warranty valid. This information should be included in the quotation or provided as part of the handover once installation is complete.
Who pays for the annual servicing of the boiler after installation under NISEP?
The homeowner or landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for the annual service after installation. If you don’t service the boiler every year with a qualified installer, you might void your warranty and affect the performance of the boiler.
What should I do if there is an issue with the installation after installation?
All installations will include a workmanship warranty and product warranties. These will be provided after the installation has been completed.
If there is a problem with any measures you received under NISEP within the first 12 months after installation, contact your scheme manager. They’ll arrange for the original installer to investigate and put things right if necessary.
If you use a different installer to carry out any repairs, this may invalidate any guarantees or product warranties linked to the installation. It may also mean you are responsible for any repair costs.
NISEP cannot accept responsibility for work completed by installers who are not part of the programme.
You can also contact the scheme manager if the original installer:
- is no longer trading
- has gone into administration
- cannot address the issue
The scheme manager will let you know your options available under the relevant warranty arrangements.
Issues that happen after the initial defects liability or workmanship warranty period may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, an insurance-backed guarantee or another warranty arrangement. Check the documentation provided at handover for details of the relevant warranty provider and contact them directly.
Who do I contact if I have a concern?
Complaints can be complex and may take time to resolve. You should first contact the scheme manager and follow their complaints process.
If you’ve done this and aren’t happy with their response , please email Energy Saving Trust at [email protected].
Your email should include details of your concern and any written correspondence you’ve already had. We’ll confirm that we have received your email within five working days and then review your situation in line with programme requirements.
