Wednesday 9 November 2011

Looking for ways to cut your energy bills before winter?


from Thame and District Citizens Advice Bureau

At the moment, half of the UK's carbon emissions come from the energy used to generate heat. As a result, a switch to low carbon heating is vital to meet the UK’s carbon targets.  

A new Government scheme, which runs from 1 August 2011 to 31 March 2012, has been set up to help people install green energy heating systems. The scheme is particularly for those households who don't have mains gas heating. You can get grants for the following amounts, for the following products:

  • a ground source or water source heat pump - £1,250 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • a biomass boiler - £950 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • an air source heat pump - £850 (for homes without mains gas heating)
  • solar thermal hot water panels - £300 (available to all households).

The scheme for householders is mainly aimed at the 5.5 million households in Great Britain not heated by mains gas. Rather than mains gas, these households have to rely on expensive and higher carbon forms of heating such as heating oil and electric fires to keep warm. To qualify, householders will need to ensure they have basic energy efficiency measures in place before they apply.

Up to 25,000 new installations will be supported over the next year. The grants will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and providers of social housing can also apply. For more information, including how to register early, visit: www.directgov.uk or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.

For more advice on getting the best energy deal, or help if you’re struggling to pay gas and electricity bills, contact:

CAB adviceline  08 444 111 444 or 0300 3300 650(mobile)
For general advice visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Your local CAB is in Market Square, Thame