Friday 26 October 2012

Update on community energy and Green Deal


To be helpful we thought we'd end the week with a round up of some of the recent announcements on community energy and the Green Deal.

Whilst  these announcements are not about woodfuel or biomass heating they are related and it would be remiss of us not to mention them.  For example, insulating a building properly can help to reduce the size of biomass boiler required and in-turn the amount of woodfuel required.

Here are the headlines, more details below:

  • Green Deal Cashbacks – hundreds of pounds for those who subscribe to Green Deal early
  • Green Deal - assessments – bookings underway
  • Green Deal - advice line opens
  • Green Deal - “Quick Guides” published
  • Energy Bill Blitz - £40m competitions for local authorities
  • PlanLoCaL interactive pack for communities on Green Deal
  • Consultation on domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)  - open to 7 December 
  • Call for evidence on onshore wind and community benefit – open to 15 November

Green Deal Cashbacks
Cash back rates under the Green Deal
The Green Deal ‘Cashback’ Scheme is a first-come, first-served offer where householders can claim cash back from Government on energy saving improvements like insulation, front doors, windows and boilers. Packages could be worth over £1,000. It is available from 28 January 2013 for households in England and Wales and is a time limited offer. For cashback amounts see the DECC website.  Customers wanting to find out more about the Green Deal can call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Service on 0300 123 1234. 

Green Deal Assessments
Booking is underway for Green Deal assessments. Visit the website for further information for further information on assessments.  British Gas launched its Green Deal service this week.

Green Deal advice line opens:
Tel : 0300 123 1234.

Green Deal “Quick Guides” published:


Energy Bill Blitz – £40m competitions for local authorities:
The Government is putting local action at the heart of efforts to keep energy bills down and homes warm, with a £40 million competition aimed at driving local initiatives to boost energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and encourage collective switching and purchasing. Read the full press notice.

Centre for Sustainable Development – guide for communities on Green Deal 
PlanLoCaL (CSE) is preparing an interactive pack for communities on the delivery of the Green Deal - available from January 2013.  “Exploring Technologies” webpage also offers links to Plan LoCaL exercises to help community groups scope all their local potential resources of renewable energy.

Call for evidence on onshore wind and community benefit - closes 15 November

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