In a world where the average homeowner is being constantly regaled by politicians and scientists about embracing the “green economy” and “low carbon emissions” it appears that the new coalition Government is taking steps to ensure that for big projects at least there will be some sort of financial aid.
Most citizens have already taken to heart the recycling message, the usage of energy saving light bulbs is rocketing (although it is fair to say, it leaves us all a bit more in the dark) and energy companies are now providing certain customers with home energy tracking devices which at a glance highlight information to the consumer where possible energy wastage is taking place. Lagging the loft is generally accepted as one great saver along with insulating the walls of the home, grants are already available for these to the more vulnerable sections of society but It is the more ambitious projects that will realise greater savings and unfortunately with the current financial restraints most homeowners find themselves in, new heating systems, solar energy water heating and whole house double glazing often take second place to other desirables such as household insurance. It is this type of project that the Government have decided to “subsidise”.
The new bill, dubbed the “pay as you save” bill will allow consumers to borrow money from the Government for big projects such as solar panel heating or double glazing and then repay the loan through the savings the installations generate. Although details are still sketchy it is anticipated that the loan amounts will fall somewhere between the £6,500 suggested in the pre election Conservative manifesto and the higher figure of £10,000 suggested by the Liberal Democrats in their election literature.
The bill also states that energy providers will be obligated to provide consumers with information about cheaper tariffs available to them while at the same time ensuring competition between the providers remains fair.
The coalition Government further displayed its commitment to the green cause when new housing minister, Grant Sharps, confirmed that he would be endorsing the plans of the previous government’s commitment that all new houses will have to be zero carbon compliant by 2016. Although he has still not provided a full definition of what zero compliant actually means it is hoped there will be a further announcement in the near future to provide clarity on the issue.