The list of NISEP schemes for 2026-2027 has been approved and is now live, the Energy Saving Trust has said. The trust administers the programme on behalf of the Utility Regulator in Northern Ireland1.
The programme is an £8 million fund, collected from both domestic and commercial electricity customers through a public service obligation1. The majority of the funding, 80%, has been targeted at vulnerable customers, and 11 scheme managers are currently delivering schemes. All schemes run on a financial year basis1.
"NISEP has been extended for a further two years until March 2029."
The trust states that households across Northern Ireland can benefit from NISEP, with funding used for energy efficiency schemes. Measures vary between schemes but can include heating systems, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Most schemes also offer additional measures where a home is suitable, which may include LED light bulbs, low-flow or eco shower heads, hot water tank jackets, reflective radiator panels, draught proofing and remote smart heating controls1.
Homeowners, private tenants and non-domestic or commercial properties might be eligible. The trust says eligibility can also depend on income, housing tenure and where the applicant lives. Work is either fully funded or may require a contribution depending on household income. Total gross household income is assessed rather than outgoings, and proof is required covering wages, benefits, pensions and any other income. Income from anyone under 18 at the address is not included. Funding is only available for the applicant's primary residence1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fund size | £8 million |
| Collected from | Domestic and commercial electricity customers, via a public service obligation |
| Share targeted at vulnerable customers | 80% |
| Scheme managers | 11 |
| Scheme year | Financial year basis |
| Extension | Two further years, until March 2029 |
The trust says a survey will be carried out to identify which measures can be installed, and that a technical survey checks the work meets building regulations and programme requirements. Applicants need to provide evidence of total household income, who owns the property, and permission from all homeowners before work goes ahead. Where a scheme is part-funded, the scheme manager sends a written quotation setting out costs, the NISEP contribution and when payment is due; in most cases payment is made after installation, although a deposit may be required1.
Funding is limited. Where a scheme has more applications than funding available, a priority system may be used, and a scheme manager may keep a waiting list. If a scheme is fully subscribed and closed, applicants cannot join a waiting list. The trust also states that NISEP funding is not available for a measure already installed under another grant programme, or where a grant for the same measure at the same property has been received within the last 15 years, with exceptional circumstances possibly considered where boilers are broken beyond economic repair1.
Why it matters for households
NISEP is unusual among UK energy schemes in that its money comes from a levy on electricity bills rather than general taxation, so Northern Ireland electricity customers fund it collectively. For a household, the practical effect is that a package of fabric and heating measures may be available at no cost or at reduced cost, depending on assessed gross income rather than spending. Because eligibility and the measures on offer differ between the 11 schemes, the same household may find different terms under different managers. The programme's focus on insulation, draught proofing, heating controls and heating systems bears directly on how much energy a home needs to buy and how well it holds warmth, which is the core of household energy independence. The 80% targeting of vulnerable customers indicates where the bulk of the funding is directed. Further detail on the programme sits in the Northern Ireland section.
What happens next
The schemes are live for the 2026-2027 financial year. NISEP has been extended for a further two years until March 20291. The trust directs applicants to the published list of schemes to identify a scheme and check eligibility, then to contact the relevant scheme manager by telephone or email. Independent advice is available from the Northern Ireland Energy Advice service on freephone 0800 111 4455, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday1.
Sources1 cited
- Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme - Energy Saving Trust, energysavingtrust.org.uk