First Oil Boiler Installed Through Bryson Energy Retrofit Scheme

Bryson Energy supported by the Oak Foundation has installed the first oil boiler to a home in Omagh, under the Bryson Energy Retrofit Scheme.  The pilot scheme, which was launched at the end of November 2013, will see 116 boilers installed to help eligible households in two targeted areas, Omagh and Strabane, to achieve affordable warmth. Mr O’Neill of Sixmilecross, Omagh, Co Tyrone, one of the first applicants to the Scheme back in mid-December discusses the application process and the benefits the new boiler is delivering:

“I attended one of Bryson Energy Retrofit Scheme’s Local Events on 16th December 2013 at An Creagan Centre, where I received help to complete the application form.  My old boiler was faulty, and therefore I desperately needed a new boiler, and thankfully a highly efficient oil condensing boiler was installed in February 2014 at no cost.   This really is a fantastic scheme and I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in terms of heat in my home since the installation.”

Research shows that Mr O’Neill will save 20% to 25% on his annual oil heating costs as the new oil condensing boiler is much more efficient than his old boiler.

Ursula Toman, Retrofit Manager, Bryson Energy explains the background to the pilot:

“The Bryson Energy Retrofit Scheme is the first pilot of its kind in Northern Ireland. The pilot was established in response to findings from a research report Transforming NI’s Heating Systems: A Plan to Retrofit Dwellings, which was undertaken by Bryson Energy in partnership with the University of Ulster.  The report ascertains the costs, benefits and implications of removing old inefficient oil heating systems and upgrading insulation in homes across Northern Ireland.

“The research report highlighted two key areas of Northern Ireland as having the highest demand for heat; Omagh and Strabane. Therefore the scheme is focused on replacing old inefficient oil boilers in eligible households of Omagh and Strabane”.

Ursula added: “Households which have previously received insulation measures under schemes such as Warm Homes and NISEP but could not avail of a new boiler under those schemes are eligible to apply.  Following a successful application, the scheme will install efficient boilers, in order to provide a further part of a whole house solution.  A whole house solution not only addresses the fabric of the house such as the heating and insulation but includes other measures necessary to combat fuel poverty such as brokering and switching”. 

Renewables are also a key element of The Retrofit Scheme, with 14 wood pellet boilers being installed through the scheme.   Indeed, Bryson Energy is also developing plans for other renewable energy schemes as Ursula explains:

“Given the importance of renewables Bryson Energy is also assessing the suitability of homes for installing Photovoltaics (PV) under a potential future PV scheme. While we cannot affect the price of global energy prices, households can be provided with renewable technologies to generate their own power.  There are a range of firms in Northern Ireland who provide Photovoltaics free to households with suitable properties.  Fitted at no cost to the household the occupants get free electricity generated with the firms taking the Renewable Obligation Certificates payments along with the exported electricity.  The problem is that these payments are not shared equitably with the householder and our vision is where the return, after investment costs are met, could be used to pay for household services such as budgeting and brokering service costs”.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Bryson Energy Retrofit Scheme should contact Ursula Toman  E. [email protected] or T. 028 9073 4268.

Bryson Energy is part of the Bryson Charitable Group, Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprise.