Local natural gas supplier firmus energy is on track to finalise Phase 1 of their construction project and will have natural gas available for connection to Crumlin businesses and households by the end of the year.

This investment in the area will bring natural gas to a potential 1,320 properties in the Crumlin area.

Firmus energy recently announced plans to invest £120m in the development of its network up to 2028, connecting an additional 32,000 customers. In 2023, £17m is being invested in bringing gas not only to Crumlin Phase 1 but also Eglinton, Waringstown and Portballintrae.

Paul Stanfield, Director of Sales, Marketing and Customer Operations with firmus energy, said: “There has been significant interest in connecting to natural gas in the Crumlin area. We will soon be holding an information session where local residents and businesses can hear more about how to upgrade from oil to gas, and the wider benefits that come with installing natural gas.

This upgrade prepares homeowners for a carbon neutral future as the gas network and appliances are suitable for renewable gases such as Biomethane and a Hydrogen blend which will soon be transported through the existing pipes.”

He added: “This investment will allow homeowners to take advantage of the many benefits natural gas brings, including more space around the home when they remove their oil tank and oil boiler, and hot water cylinder and water tanks in the roof space, an immediate carbon reduction of up to 52% when switching from oil to gas and no need to order heating fuel.

The natural gas heating systems also means customers benefit from instant radiator heat and constant hot water.”

Established in 2006, firmus energy supplies gas to over 110,000 homes and businesses throughout Northern Ireland.