Partner Article

£8m community heating scheme launched

The Government has today (Tuesday) opened the bidding process for a share of a £8 million community scheme under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme.

Community groups from across the UK will be eligible to bid for the cash to fund the installation of low carbon heating including solar panels, biomass boilers and heat pumps in local homes.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “Clean green generation at a local level is a key part of our energy future and I hope that communities of all shapes and sizes will get on board and take advantage of all this scheme has to offer.”

Community groups including community co-operatives, voluntary groups, social enterprises and development trusts will be eligible to apply.

Phillip Sellwood, CEO at the Energy Saving Trust said: “Working together can make the process of upgrading to renewable heating easier and more affordable for everyone.

“This scheme will provide a great opportunity for community groups to prove once again that they can have a real impact in reducing carbon emissions and energy costs in their homes, whilst empowering communities to be more sustainable.”

Community groups will need to submit a first stage application to the Energy Saving Trust by 7 September 2012. Applications will be judged on a range of criteria, including the project’s vision, potential benefits for the local area, potential partners and any relevant experience of delivering similar projects.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) expects to support between 50 and 100 projects with the £8 million fund and will announce the winners in December this year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .