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National News February

Communities get FIT(s)!

With the introduction of feed-in tariffs households and communities who install generating technologies will be entitled to claim payments for the electricity they produce. The tariff, which is available from April 2010, will be administered by Ofgem and energy suppliers will be responsible for paying the reward to their customers.

Communities who install low carbon electricity technology such as solar PV panels and wind turbines up to 5 megawatts will be paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. The level of payment depends on the technology and is linked to inflation. They will get a further payment for any electricity they feed into the grid. These payments will be in addition to benefiting from reduced bills as they reduce the need to buy electricity.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has also published plans for a scheme to incentivise renewable heat generation at all scales. This comes into effect in April 2011 and guarantees payments for those who install technologies such as ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps. Get further information on tariff levels

Closure of Low Carbon Buildings Programme - electrical microgeneration

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) – for both Phase 1 (households) and Phase 2 (community groups) – has now closed to all new applications for electrical microgeneration grants. This follows the publication of the Government's consultation on the Feed-In Tariffs (FIT's). The closure allows for the remaining unallocated funding to be focused on supporting thermal microgeneration projects until the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentives, scheduled for April 2011.

For those communities who have already received a LCBP grant for electricity generating technology after 15th July 2009, you have the choice of retaining the grant and not being eligible for FITs or repaying the grant and claiming FITs. If you received the grant before 15th July 2009 you cannot claim FITs but up to the 31st March 2010 you may be able to apply for Renewable Obligations. For queries about claiming ROs visit the Ofgem website.

To find out more information on funds available for installing renewable technologies visit our online funding database http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/Funding-Advice or speak to an advisor on 0844 848 0077.

Northwest Rural Carbon Challenge Fund launching in spring 2010

A ground breaking new £4m fund will be launched by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) later this year to support renewable energy projects in rural areas of the region focusing on wind, water and woodfuel. Find out more