Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (“the 2009 Regulations”), by changing the eligibility criteria so that households with an annual income of less than £20,000 may be eligible to receive assistance under the Affordable Warmth grant scheme.

These Regulations also clarify the conditions under which a Boiler Replacement grant may be payable.

The 2009 Regulations enable the Department for Communities to make or arrange for the making of an Affordable Warmth grant for the improvement of energy efficiency in privately owned or privately rented dwellings occupied by persons on a low income. They also enable the Department for Communities to provide assistance to help owner occupiers on a low income to replace a heating boiler that is at least 15 years old with a new, more energy efficient boiler.