No choice but gas, for Larne tenants with access

The housing body has said it wants to hear the views of tenants on a policy review aimed at ensuring that tenants have the most efficient heating systems and fuel type in their area.

One of the main recommendations is that gas remains the only option offered in areas where it is available. Tenant choice outside the gas area is increased to include wood pellet boilers as a potentially viable alternative to oil.

E7 electric systems and open-fire central heating may be retained by the tenant if that is their choice.

Gerry Flynn, director of housing and regeneration, said: “The Housing Executive has an ongoing programme of installing new and efficient heating systems in all of its homes.

“In recent years, the percentage of our tenants in fuel poverty has fallen from 57 per cent to 44 per cent, and while this is encouraging, this level is still unacceptably high. Our heating replacement schemes have played a large part to play in this decrease.

“This latest review takes account of the installation, running and maintenance costs of both available and potentially available heating systems. We want to ensure that all our tenants can benefit from clean, efficient, safe and affordable heating systems.”

The public consultation closes on April 1. The heating policy review proposals are is on the Housing Executive’s web site at www.nihe.gov.uk/index/consultations