News from Whitewaters Energy
Feed In Tariffs Announced
Updated 1st February 2010
The government has today announced the final structure of Feed-In-Tariffs (FITs) for small scale electricity generators. The programme sets out how households and small generators can cash in on the renewable energy they could produce.
The headline-grabbing rate of 41.5p/kWh has exceeded all expectations and will mean greater financial benefits for those adopting green technologies. Cabinet minister Ed Miliband said "The guarantee of getting an income on top of saving on energy bills will be an incentive to householders and communities wanting to make the move to low carbon living."
"The feed-in-tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past."
From April 1st, householders and communities who install low carbon electricity technology such as Solar PV panels, will be paid for the electricity that they generate, even if they use it themselves. Ofgem will be responsible for administration of the scheme.
In addition, Ed Miliband has presented the first consultation of the 2011 renewable heat incentive. This scheme will use a similar mechanism to reward those who produce renewable heat through solar thermal systems.
Cost of Energy Outstrips Inflation
Updated 15th january 2010
New figures reveal that the cost of home energy is rising faster than inflation.
It has been found that the cost of home energy in the OECD area (which covers a significant portion of the developed world) increased by 2.4% in the 12 months to November 2009. In comparison, UK inflation stood at 1.9% in the same 12 month period.
The news is particularly relevant during the recent cold spell, with fuel consumption running at unusually high levels, and the gas supply infrastructure coming under increasing pressure.
This has highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and the increasing financial viability of renewable energy technology.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme Launched
Updated 5th January 2010
Householders are now able to apply for a £400 cashback grant under the government's new boiler scrappage scheme.
Once that a registered installer (such as Whitewaters Energy) has surveyed the existing boiler and quoted for the replacement, an application can be made via. the Energy Saving Trust website. The site advises that vouchers for the grant will be issued to successful applicants starting on 18th January. Once that a voucher has been received, the householder has a validity period of 12 weeks to have the work ciompleted and paid for, and the voucher redeemed.
DECC Support for Heat Pumps
Updated : 4th January 2010
Professor david Mackay, the newly appointed chief scientific officer for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, has supported the use of heat pump technology as part of a wide-ranging analysis of UK climate change issues.
Mr Mackay commented that "Setting fire to chemicals like gas should be made a thermodynamic crime. If people want heat they should be forced to get it from heat pumps. That would be a sensible piece of legislation."
The principle is that electric heat generating devices such as heat pumps can be powered by low carbon electricity generated by an increase in nuclear capacity and other renewable sources. Given that almost 50% of the UK's carbon emissions come from space heating, such an enterprise could have a huge impact on overall emissions.
Pre-Budget Report -
Updated : 16th December 2009
Alistair Darling used last week’s pre-budget report to announce a £200m package to improve energy efficiency.
Top of the bill is a £50m boiler scrappage scheme. Designed to help up to 125,000 households to trade in their old boilers for new energy efficient models, the scheme is based on the existing car scrappage scheme. It is suggested that anybody with a G-rated boiler will be eligible for a £400 grant if they replace it with an A-rated model.
Such a measure is estimated to save 25% on energy bills – a saving of £235 per year for the average family. In addition, carbon savings are estimated to average 1.26 tonnes. It is unclear at this time how individuals should apply for the grants, when the scheme will commence, and if the funding will be extended once the initial £50m has run out.
Mr Darling also used the report to announce that feed-in tariffs paid to microgenerators such as householders with solar PV panels, will be free of income tax. It is estimated that this measure will save basic-rate taxpayers around £180 pa.