In response to the UK Government announcements today on Feed-in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive Liz Laine of Consumer Focus, said:
Feed-in Tariffs:
‘Cash rebates could help consumers and businesses that are able to produce renewable energy to make big savings and cut carbon emissions. However, we are concerned that the level of cashbacks announced today will not prove high enough to kick-start this scheme.
‘If the Government wants to create a low-carbon economy it must have more ambitious targets for small-scale renewable energy. It needs to offer more attractive cashback rates to overcome the cost-barrier of installing this technology and provide better information and advice to consumers.’
Renewable Heat Incentive:
‘Offering incentives for consumers who install renewable heat generation will help provide a move away from fossil fuelled heating and towards a secure, low-carbon and affordable energy supply. This could particularly benefit consumers who live in areas without a gas supply who pay more for their energy and are more likely to live in fuel poverty.
‘It is welcome that the Government is reviewing how this scheme should be funded. We are very concerned that thousands more households could be pushed into fuel poverty if the full cost is passed onto energy consumers. The Government should also ensure that low-income households are reached by this scheme and that the homes helped are made more energy efficient, to help further cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.’
ENDS
