The Government’s latest Green Deal plans to help householders pay for energy improvements through savings on their fuel bills have been given a warm reception this week by a Stourbridge expert.
Following the launch of the scheme last month, the Coalition has now given more details about how people can claim money back for installing green measures, such as wall and loft insulation and boiler upgrades, in their home.
But to qualify for the first come, first served offer, which is available from January 28, 2013, they must apply for a voucher beforehand to get the cash back when work is completed.
Energy expert Colin Priest, pictured, who lives in Quarry Bank and works for Noreus Ltd, said: “It is a great opportunity for people to save on their bills by installing pay-as-you-save energy efficient solutions without the need to invest large sums of money or to increase personal debt.”
The incentive for residents, including owner occupiers, those renting privately or in social housing and private and social landlords, is that the more work they get done the more they get back from the package worth up to £1,000 per home.
The Government has already set aside £125 million for the scheme, but after the first £40 has been used up the cashback amounts may be reduced.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said the Green Deal would play a huge role in improving the energy efficiency of homes and businesses.
“I am determined to make sure that, in addition to creating huge opportunities for Green Deal providers and businesses along with thousands of new jobs, this new market in energy efficiency will deliver the very best deal for consumers,” he added.
To get this they will need to have a Green Deal assessment carried on the property and must have agreed quotes and the work completed by a Green Deal Provider, which could be directly with a national brand or through a local tradesperson linked with a provider.
They can make only one claim for the cashback which will be capped at 50 per cent of the householder’s contributions to costs.
Residents will be able to apply for vouchers online through the Department of Energy and Climate Change website at www.decc.gov.uk or by phoning them on 0300 123 1234.
Once the work is completed within a specific time the cashback voucher can then be redeemed.
Examples of the cashback levels are £100 for loft insulation, £250 for cavity wall insulation, £650 for solid wall insulation, £390 for flat roof insulation, £220 for room in roof insulation, £150 for floor insulation, £270 for upgrading non-condensing boiler to condensing gas boiler and £150 for new or replacement storage heaters.
To give your views about the Green Deal and to find out more about energy saving, contact Colin on 0845 474 6641.