Herefordshire Council is backing a government scheme which offers money to county householders so they can invest in renewable heating technologies such as solar thermal panels, heat pumps and biomass boilers.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payments scheme has been launched by the Department of Energy & Climate Change which offers one-off payments to householders.

It is planned to expand the scheme next year when the Green Deal will come into effect.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “It is important that people considering installing these technologies know grants are available and apply for them. The government will be using this scheme to gauge public opinion and also see which technologies perform best.

“The scheme offers various payments to households in order to assist with the capital cost of installing such technologies and greater payments are available for households that are not connected to the gas mains, which is particularly relevant in Herefordshire,” he added.

Householders can apply for the grants now by calling 0800 512012 or by logging onto www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
The only condition of the scheme is that homes must have basic energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation installed.

Councillor Wilcox added: “We are currently supporting Domestic & General Insulation Ltd who are offering free loft or cavity wall insulation to all county households so if anyone wants to take advantage of this offer I would urge them to call 01432 377050 as soon as possible,” he added.