Northern Ireland schools urged to limit heating as energy bills surge

Schools throughout Northern Ireland have received guidance from the Education Authority (EA) advising staff and students to dress warmly during cold weather as part of efforts to curb rising energy expenditures. The authority has instructed educational institutions to minimize heating and lighting usage wherever feasible, warning that gas and electricity costs could increase by approximately £8 million by March 2027.

The EA attributed the projected financial strain to recent geopolitical developments, specifically citing the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran as a key driver behind global energy price fluctuations. In a correspondence sent to headteachers, the authority noted that these events were expected to significantly impact the education sector’s energy expenses during the 2026/27 financial year.

Projections indicate that total school gas bills could climb by 60%, rising from £10.7 million to £17 million, while electricity costs are anticipated to increase by 5%, moving from £23.8 million to £25.1 million over the same period. To mitigate these costs, the EA has recommended measures such as reducing heating operation time by one hour daily, switching off classroom lights in favor of natural daylight, and encouraging individuals to wear additional clothing rather than raising thermostats.

However, school leaders have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of making substantial cuts without compromising welfare. Kirsty Logan-Hall, principal of Tullygally Primary School in Craigavon, stated that while her institution is dedicated to responsible energy consumption, the school’s older infrastructure poses inherent efficiency challenges.

Logan-Hall highlighted that the dispersed layout of the campus, necessitated by specialist provision requirements, demands continuous heating and lighting across multiple areas to maintain appropriate learning environments and accessibility. She cautioned that further reductions could adversely affect the quality of education, working conditions for staff, and the wellbeing of pupils, particularly those with additional needs.

Claire Robinson, principal of Holy Evangelists Primary School in Dunmurry, described current energy costs as “ferocious” and emphasized that temperature controls cannot be casually adjusted. Although her school occupies a relatively new building featuring underfloor heating, it has received an energy efficiency rating of D. Robinson noted that certain classrooms must remain above specific temperature thresholds, requiring the heating system to remain operational in those zones regardless of external recommendations to conserve energy.