RHI offers a ‘golden opportunity’

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A new Government initiative to encourage households to switch to renewable forms of heating has been described as a ‘golden opportunity’ by Cornish energy expert Community Energy Plus (CEP).

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was launched on April 9 and is the first scheme of its kind in the world, offering financial incentives worth thousands of pounds for green heating technologies. The incentive is intended to encourage households to make the switch to heating systems that use renewable energy sources.

CEP, a Cornish charity and social enterprise which has been providing independent energy advice and services to householders for over 15 years, welcomed the introduction of the RHI.

Chief executive, Dr Tim Jones, said: “This new scheme is a golden opportunity for householders to embrace renewable technologies while enjoying a more efficient and sustainable home.

“The challenge of rising energy prices, especially for those without mains gas, is increasing every year. For those who can afford the initial purchase costs, installing these kinds of renewable technologies makes financial as well as environmental sense.”

Renewable Heat Incentive payments will be available to householders using renewable sources such as ground and air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, biomass-fuelled boilers and wood pellet stoves.

Incentives are available to homeowners, social and private landlords and people embarking on self-build projects. Homes which are not connected to the mains gas network will find the scheme particularly beneficial for reducing costs from existing oil or electrical heating systems. There are different tariffs for each technology, and the quarterly payments are guaranteed for seven years.