Funds to help householders purchase renewable energy technologies are being oversubscribed and leaving many disappointed due to caps on spending.

The government鈥檚 three year Low Carbon 黑洞社区 Programme has descended into farce, with its latest round of grants running out in only 75 minutes. The on-line application process for a slice of this month鈥檚 拢500 000, towards the installation of eco-energy products was closed after 189 applicants met grant criteria.

This rush of applications follows increasingly frantic activity to obtain grants in previous months. In December 2006 the 拢500 000 funding ran out after 20 days; in January it lasted until the 12th of the month; while in February it ran out in 12 hours.

The money is part of 拢12.7 million set aside by government in April 2006 to help households go green through the three year programme. However, by December funds were so depleted that the Department of Trade and Industry put a cap on the monthly funding at 拢500 000.

A Friends of the Earth spokesperson said: 鈥淭he government needs to make a quantum leap in support of micro-generation technologies. The feeble amount of money available under the Low Carbon 黑洞社区 Programme would only buy 3000 solar power systems from Curry鈥檚 or 9000 wind turbines from B&Q.鈥�

The Renewable Energy Association said: 鈥淚t is tragic that with this wave of public support, the government seems unwilling to reinforce success.鈥�

鈥� London mayor Ken Livingstone has announced the provision of a green concierge service for home owners who wish to convert to renewable energy. The service will offer home energy audits, recommend the most appropriate contractors to carry out work and manage the installation of energy efficient improvements.

It will cost up to 拢200 plus the cost of the improvements and is part of an action plan for London, which aims to cut emissions to 60% below 1990 levels by 2025.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor