This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Central Heating Programme
26/03/2007
Many older people were lifted out of fuel poverty in the first three years of the Executive's Central Heating Programme (CHP), new research shows.
Between 2001 and 2004, more than half of all households benefiting from the CHP were in fuel poverty before they received their new heating system. After the improvements, the research found that CHP had removed almost three-quarters of these households from fuel poverty.
Since the programme started in 2001, the Executive has spent over £233 million on the Central Heating Programme, installing 81,000 modern systems in older people's homes.
Communities Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"The Central Heating Programme is making a real difference to many people across the country.
"This report shows that as well as lifting older people out of fuel poverty by reducing energy bills, it has improved the energy efficiency and comfort of thousands of homes.
"We know there is much more to do to ensure everyone can enjoy a warm, safe, comfortable home, however, this report shows we are making good progress towards meeting our target of ending fuel poverty by 2016."
As a result of CHP improvements, the average National Home Energy Rating (NHER) of homes increased from 3.28 to 6.98 over the first three-years of the scheme. And on average, households also experienced a decrease in fuel costs from £13.79 to £12.01, between 2001 and 2004.