Government reveals low-carbon heat plans

In the coming days a second phase of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme is to be launched with an anticipated value of £10 million more than phase one. The scheme gives money off renewable technologies to include biomass boilers and solar thermal panels. The Energy Savings Trust will continue to be the face of the scheme.

The scheme is in addition to a £8 million competition whereby communities can apply for grants for their community to install renewable heating. Climate Change Minister Greg Barker outlines:

“The new Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme will be bigger and better than the original. We’re increasing the budget from £15m to £25m, for the first time we’re including community schemes and there’ll be more social housing schemes that can benefit. Those people who are reliant on expensive oil or electric heating should consider applying to the Premium Payment scheme to cut their fuel bills in the long term. Generating heat from renewables will not just cut carbon emissions, it will also help create a market in developing, selling and installing kit like solar thermal panels or heat pumps.” Director of Delivery of the Energy Saving Trust, Karen Lawrence said:

“Our aim is to empower householders by giving them the right tools and advice to help them reduce both their energy usage and bills. Without a doubt, one of the main barriers that prevents people from taking the plunge is the up-front capital cost. The announcement of the second phase of the government's Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme not only offers homeowners help with the initial costs, but it also provides them with access to heat technologies that can help them to reduce their energy bills, year on year.” “We are encouraged by the interest in the first phase of the schemes - particularly the social landlord scheme - and look forward to building on this.” The Government continues to support renewable heat technologies in homes and proposals will continue to be considered until September when the full details of the scheme will be published.