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Government scheme to give thousands of households £400 off new home heating boiler North East Somerset’s MP Dan Norris has welcomed a new Government scheme that could give thousands of West Country households £400 off the cost of a new boiler or renewable heating system. And he urged anyone interested in finding out more about the boiler upgrade ‘cash back’ voucher scheme to pick up the phone. A free helpline is available from the Energy Saving Trust, which is administering the £50 million scheme for the Government. Mr Norris said: “The Government’s Boiler Scrappage scheme will help householders save money on fuel bills and to upgrade household heating systems to cut carbon. It will also be a vital means of supporting the heating industry, sustaining work for people employed in it. “From 5 January householders and Landlords of privately let accommodation can find out more and register by calling the Energy Saving Trust’s free advice line on 0800 512 012. Or you can go on the internet here “This is a voucher cashback scheme, and I would advise people to shop around to find the best deal which suits them before making a firm application. “This Government scheme will lead to reduced carbon emissions and lower fuel bills. It will also see a reduction in the number of old boilers associated with a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.” Up to 125,000 residential consumers who live in own or privately rent out a home in England with working “G-rated” boilers can from today (5 January) apply for a voucher. It will entitle them to £400 off the price of a new, modern “A-rated” boiler or a renewable heating system like a biomass boiler or a heat pump. A household's energy bill could be cut by between £200 to £235 a year. Replacing 125,000 G rated boilers should save in the region of 140,000t CO2 per year - equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road. People over 60 can apply for the scheme regardless of whether the boiler they are scrapping is in working order. However, it still needs to be the main boiler used to heat the home Once they have received a voucher, householders will pay for the new boiler and installation up front and then will claim the £400 back through the Energy Saving Trust by sending in a valid voucher and final invoice. The voucher will need to have been signed by the householder and the installer. Payment will be issued by Energy Saving Trust to the householder within 25 working days of receipt of the valid voucher and final invoice. Payment will be made via direct debit or a cheque. It is reckoned the scheme will help sustain work for the 130,000 installers and over 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers through the economic recovery.
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