Reconnect to renewable energy at Forestside Shopping Centre

Ever-increasing fuel bills and the threat to the environment by fossil fuels, mean it’s time to reconnect to renewable energy; the clean and efficient alternative.



This is the message from Action Renewables, as they prepare to showcase renewable energy and climate change issues at Forestside Shopping Centre on February 24-25 2007.



Through an £8 million Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) initiative known as 'Reconnect', over 1500 people from across Northern Ireland have already been offered grant assistance to install renewable energy systems in their homes. 



This initiative, which is delivered by Action Renewables, offers grants of up to 50% to private home-owners seeking to install domestic renewable energy systems.

These range from solar panels to small scale wind turbines, wood fuelled boilers to geothermal heat pumps.





Davina Quigley, Energy Division, DETI said: “More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of renewable energy systems in their homes. 



“Since the Household Programme was launched by the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, in July, DETI has committed over £4 million of grant aid, to allow over 1500 private home-owners to install a range of renewable energy systems.”



Andy McCrea, Director, Action Renewables added: “Northern Ireland generates around 95% of our electricity through the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and gas. We need to reduce this significantly to help in the fight against climate change.

“Reconnect' makes renewable energy a cheaper, easier and more environmentally-friendly option for us to heat, light and power our homes.”



Action Renewables will be at Forestside Shopping Centre on Saturday February 24 from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday February 25 2007 from 1pm to 5pm.



To find out more about renewable energy systems call the helpline 0800 023 4077 or email reconnect@detini.gov.uk. Alternatively text ENERGY to 60900.

(EF)