Boiler scrappage scheme

20/04/2010

Up to 5,000 households in Scotland will receive £400 towards the cost of a new boiler, under a new boiler scrappage scheme.

Households with poor performing boilers which convert less than 70 per cent of fuel into heat, will qualify for cashback on a new energy saving model.

Upgrading to a greener boiler will help households reduce heating costs by about a quarter and save £190 a year on fuel bills.

From May 24, households will be able to apply online or over the phone through the Scottish Government's Energy Saving Scotland advice network.

Replacing 5,000 boilers will also save around 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent to taking 1,700 cars off Scotland's roads, heating the water for 7 million baths or heating 1,300 Scottish homes for a year.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said.

"Scotland is seen around the world as a champion for low-carbon living.

"A vital part of this is helping people to live in greener homes which cost less to run.

"Through the boiler scrappage scheme we will help people replace rickety old boilers for new energy saving models and importantly, put money back in the pockets of householders.

"At the same time we are providing an economic stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs and helping it get through this financially difficult time."

Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation Director Robert Burgon said:

"The Scottish boiler scrappage scheme will be a great opportunity for many households to upgrade their inefficient heating systems which will be costing them many hundreds of pounds each year in wasted fuel costs.

"Installing a new system will not only help the environment it will also help save money on their heating bills.

"Like many other industries the plumbing and heating sector has been badly hit by the recession and the scheme will prove a boost to many of our businesses."

Elizabeth Leighton, Senior Policy Officer at WWF Scotland said:

"We welcome the introduction of the boiler scrappage scheme.

"Home energy use accounts for nearly one-third of Scotland's carbon emissions, so it is essential that homeowners are given every opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient if Scotland is to play its part in tackling the climate change.

"At the same time it will create jobs and contribute to efforts to eradicate fuel poverty. We believe this scrappage scheme must be seen as part of an overall effort to make all of Scotland's homes low carbon - warm and healthy - by 2020."

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme will be run through the Energy Saving Scotland advice network - the Scottish Government's 'one stop shop' for energy efficiency, renewables and sustainable transport advice.

The advice network will issue vouchers as of May 24, 2010, available either by calling 0800 512 012 or through the Energy Saving Trust website. The scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis and will last until all the funds have been allocated.

Households will be able to apply over the phone or online and, if eligible, will receive a 400 pound voucher towards the installation of a new boiler.

The vouchers can then be redeemed for cash from the Energy Saving Trust once the boiler has been installed.

New boilers should be energy efficient models, certified under the Energy Saving Recommended scheme.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Scotland supports the aims of the Scottish Government's forthcoming Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland, which will set out a suite of policies and programmes to help reduce energy consumption across all sectors.

Funding of £30,000 was also announced today for the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership to link more communities in Glasgow with green spaces.