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
