Micro combined heat and power
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems have been in use for some time in Northern Ireland in large scale installations such as hospitals and leisure centres. Domestic sized models are now available.
Combined heat and power systems
A CHP unit is gas-fired. Its primary function is to run central heating for the home. It also generates about 1kW of electricity while it's running.
Householders with these units installed should notice a drop in their electricity bills.
This cut will be enhanced if all the free electricity generated by the boiler is used rather than going back on to the grid.
Power NI will buy back electricity which is spilled onto the grid but at a cost which is below the supply cost.