Morrow announces extension of Energy Advice Line funding

Date published: 26 February 2016

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive will continue their investment of £129,000, extending Bryson Energy’s contract to deliver the service for a further year.

The Social Development Minister, Lord Morrow MLA and the Housing Executive’s Energy Conservation Manager, Noel Rice, made the announcement during a visit to Bryson Energy Advice Line which is based in Enniskillen.

Minister Morrow said: “I am delighted to announce the extension of the Housing Executive’s contract with Bryson Energy to provide independent energy advice through its freephone line for another year. Around 7,000 households contact this freephone advice line every year seeking information and advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of their home and save money on fuel bills. Tackling fuel poverty is a key objective for my Department and the Housing Executive and this vital service goes someway in tackling this issue.”

The Energy Advice Line offers householders across Northern Ireland free impartial advice on how to reduce bills using no cost and low cost tips, how to upgrade their homes to reduce heat loss and on what grants are available. The Energy Advice Line can be contacted on 0800 1422 865 or advice@brysonenergy.org

Meanwhile, the Housing Executive/Bryson Energy school education programme, which is also included in the contract extension announced today, has also proved popular. Last year, 10,500 children, plus their teachers, in 208 schools participated in this unique energy efficiency schools education programme.

The programme is designed to teach children how to be energy efficient, instilling the value of it at an early age, so they can save energy and money - vital for helping the environment and tackling fuel poverty.

The Minister continued: “This contract also includes a school education programme which is a great initiative to get young children thinking about saving energy at an early age. Children are not only the householders of the future but they can also bring the energy efficiency message back into the home.”

The Housing Executive’s Head of Energy Conservation, Noel Rice, said: “The Housing Executive values the service offered by Bryson Energy. Advice and education are vital to helping households save energy on their bills. We are pleased Bryson Energy’s contract has been extended for another year. They have proved a valuable partner over the past three years and we look forward to continuing the association.”

Nigel Brady, Director of Bryson Energy added: “Bryson Energy welcomes the ongoing support for the Energy Advice Line and Education Programme announced by the Minister. Our advisers have a wealth of experience and expertise in assisting households across Northern Ireland save both energy and money. I am delighted that the Minister has recognised the value of the work we do and taken the time to visit and hear first hand from the staff about their work.”