Energy News

Homes can now earn money from energy bills

Thursday, 1 April 2010

By Daniel Barnes daniel@consumerchoices.co.uk

Customers can earn money by generating their own energy with new feed-in tariffs.

Homes that generate their own energy can now earn money from energy companies.

From today new “feed-in” tariffs allow homeowners with a well-sited solar panels to earn £900 a year as well as making savings on their own energy bills.

Feed-in tariffs pay homeowners for all energy they produce, as well as earning money for every unit they do not use that is exported to the grid.

The government scheme is for homes that have solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectricity systems or use anaerobic digestion systems.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said: “From today the rewards for businesses and householders who act to cut their carbon emissions really start to pay off.

“It’s no longer simply about doing the right thing for the environment, it’s now a sure-fire financial investment.”

He added: “Householders can play a central role in leading the move to a low carbon economy whilst saving money on their energy bills.”

Homes eligible for feed-in tariffs will benefit by being paid a set rate for any energy they produce, even if they use it all.

A further 3p/kWh will be paid for homes exporting electricity to the National Grid and by generating their own energy, households’ energy bills are reduced.

Homeowners can find out more information about feed-in tariffs from the Energy Savings Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk//Feed-in-Tariff-Clean-Energy-Cashback-scheme).

To become involved, homeowners must install technology certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme ( http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/) and then contact their energy provider.

Retired teacher David Clough discusses eco-home improvements, renewable energy and insulation

Jim Dignam from Sheffield discusses his solar panels and feed-in tariffs