Energy News

Government gives grants for “green” heating

By Martin Fagan - news@consumerchoices.co.uk

Up to £1,250 in government payments available to households to install eco heaters.

UK householders could get up to £1,250 of government funding to help towards the cost of installing renewable heating systems, says the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC).

The £15million Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme, which will offer grants for renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers, air and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels, will open for applications on 1 August until March next year.

Although £3million of the £15million will be set aside for registered social landlords to improve their housing stock, the government estimates the money allocated will support up to 25,000 installations.

The scheme will be mainly focused at around 4 million households in the UK not currently heated by mains gas, which have to rely on higher carbon forms to warm homes, such as heating oil and electric fires.

From 1 August, grants will be available for these technologies: Ground Source Heat Pump (£1,250 grant), Biomass boiler (£950) and an £850 grant towards an air source heat pump.

There will also be a £300 grant towards solar thermal hot water panels, which is available to all households, regardless of the type of heating system used.

“Our field trials have shown high levels of householder satisfaction with heat technologies,” said Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

“When people have the kit installed in their homes, they really see the benefit. Without a doubt, the main barrier that prevents people from taking the plunge is the up-front capital cost. This is a great start in overcoming this obstacle.”

The Premium Payment scheme will be run by the Energy Saving Trust. For more information, householders can call 0800 512 012 or visit the EST website.

Householders will need to ensure they have basic energy efficiency measures in place before applying on 1 August and grants will be available on a “first come first served” basis.