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<p>Energy efficiency, fuel poverty and heat policy in Northern Ireland are generally devolved matters for the Northern Ireland Executive.</p><p>Since 2010, this Government has worked with the wider industry and consumer representatives to help them co-ordinate their Buy Oil Early campaign messages, and to provide guidance on setting up or joining consumer buying groups. A code of practice and customer charter has been circulated by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.</p><p>The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group is developing recommendations on information sharing on vulnerable consumers. An Ofgem review will also consider connecting electricity and gas priority service registers to other markets, including heating oil.</p><p>In addition, the Government provides assistance to the most vulnerable consumers in society to help with their heating bills throughout the coldest months by the warm home discount, winter fuel payment and cold weather payment.</p><p>Energy efficiency is also of vital importance in tackling heating costs. The Green Deal provides a means for consumers to finance energy saving measures in their home, reducing the amount of fuel they need to buy. The energy company obligation (ECO) works alongside the Green Deal and is designed to encourage energy suppliers to install measures in the least energy efficient properties, many of which are off the gas network.</p><p>Renewable heating systems can also help reduce heating costs. The Government is offering one-off grants towards the cost of these technologies under the renewable meat premium payments (RHPP) scheme. The RHPP is due to be replaced in spring 2014 by the domestic version of the renewable heat incentive, which is aimed at off-gas grid properties.</p> |