£14.5M energy fund offers a renewable future

Today’s Ofgem’s Project Discovery report predicts a future where consumers are put under increasing strain from energy price hikes, and a possible fall in interest for renewable technologies.
However, the Low Carbon Building Programme, managed by the Energy Saving Trust, offers a solution. Its £14.5m fund is available now for householders wishing to generate their own power. Householders wishing to generate their own electricity via renewable technology have until the end of March 2010 (or until the grant funding runs out, whichever is sooner) to make their applications for water turbines, wind turbines and solar electricity via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

After the end of March 2010 applications will still be open for heat-producing technologies (heat pumps; solar hot water; wood-burning stoves and boilers) the same ‘first come, first served’ rule applies. Research by the Energy Saving Trust indicates a third (35%) of people would be willing to pay more for a home where some of their energy supply came from renewable resources such as wind, solar or hydropower. Almost half of those surveyed (49%) said they would like to know if their home is suitable for renewable energy. The research also reveals that more half (53%) of Britons said that the price of renewable energy is putting them off investing in them but there are solutions to help lower the initial cost.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “It seems Britons are willing to pay more for a home with a renewable energy source so investing in a solar panel or a wind turbine could add to the resale value of a property and could be as attractive to house-hunters as a new kitchen or solid wood floors. Twenty-six per cent of carbon emissions are from the home, and with depleting fossil fuels, government are looking at ways to incentivise householders to install domestic renewable energy. Low Carbon Building Programme grants are awarded on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. So people who apply now have a better chance of getting a grant than people who leave it closer to the deadline”.

Householders can use the Energy Saving Trust’s Renewables Selector to find the answers to many questions about renewable energy: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewableselector
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS

Low Carbon Building Programme grants are not means-tested.
Successful applicants must install the technology and claim the grant by a set deadline.
Full terms and conditions (available at: www.lcbp.org.uk), including:

• Applicants must apply for the grant before installing the technology
• Grants only apply to products & installers certified by Microgeneration Certification Scheme
• Planning permission must be obtained (or confirmation it’s not required) before application

Householders must make energy efficiency measures in their home, such as:

• Insulate your loft to meet current building regulations
• Install cavity wall insulation if you have cavity walls
• Fit low energy light bulbs in appropriate light fittings
• Have basic heating co ntrols including a room thermostat and a programmer or timer

Householders can apply for funding for up to three technologies - maximum of £2,500 per HH.

• Grants for some technologies are higher than others.

See the level of grants in Table 1
:

About the Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is the UK's leading organisation set up to try and prevent climate change by helping everybody to cut carbon dioxide emissions – the main greenhouse gas causing climate change – from their homes and transport. We promote the efficient use of energy and a low carbon lifestyle. Through its network of advice centres, the organisation provides free and impartial advice to consumers on saving energy, domestic renewables and greener transport, and is beginning to include water saving and waste reduction advice in its remit. It also works with retailers, builders and industry to make sure that energy efficient products are available for people to choose. · Call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre for free impartial advice: 0800 512 012 · Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for free tools and tips about energy efficiency in the home. · More about the Energy Saving Trust’s key achievements: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/corporate · For media information call the Energy Saving Trust press office: 020 7227 0398 / gary.hartley@est.org.uk