OFTEC and the Green Deal Fund Extension (article update)

The Green Deal initiative is a scheme backed by the UK Government which is designed to help homeowners and businesses cut down on their emissions and save money on their energy bills. Applicable to any home and business premises in England, Scotland and Wales that is fitted with an electricity meter, the scheme works by giving homeowners and business owners the opportunity to have any efficiency improvements required carried out, but with only a small percentage of the installation costs paid upfront. The savings allow homeowners to gradually pay back the loan using the savings made on the energy bills.

When is the Green Deal available?

The Green Deal is open for new applications in 2017 for the first time since its closure in 2015. The scheme will be broadly similar to its previous run. Homeowners apply for loans to fund energy efficiency measures in their home, which will then be paid back through savings on their energy bills. A primary difference will be that the scheme will be backed by private investors, when previously it was government-funded.

How will the 2017 Green Deal differ from the previous one?

Details are still emerging, but it is hoped that all 45 measures previously offered last time will also be available this time round. The Green Deal Finance Company are also hoping to offer:

A faster service with a better website
Providing a top-up financing option in which the loan will not cover full costs
More proactive vetting procedures
Monitoring providers to ensure they are compliant with GDFC standards

What is the history of the Green Deal?

The original scheme ran between 2013 and 2015. In 2014, the scheme was awarded another £100m of funding, which was available from the end of November that year. This extension of funding meant that more homes and businesses could benefit from the scheme, after OFTEC called for some adjustments to the existing guidelines which they felt excluded the two million rural homes off the grid. The new funding meant that these homes, in areas where poverty is quite prominent, would have access to the same energy saving measures and efficiency improvements as those who were in receipt of the original scheme.

What are the benefits of the Green Deal?

The savings that recipients of the Green Deal make on their energy bills after improvements have taken place are then used to cover the costs of said improvements, meaning that home and business owners do not have to worry about finding the extra cash to pay for their new systems.

In 2014, OFTEC General Director Jeremy Hawksley said: “Simply improving insulation is not enough. Homes also need help to install more efficient heating as there are still thousands of old, outdated boilers running in UK homes in urgent need of replacement.”

“Installing a modern condensing oil boiler can save up to 20% on fuel bills and also reduce carbon emissions, providing a greatly beneficial, yet affordable first step towards energy efficiency.”

How do I qualify for the Green Deal?

In order to qualify for The Green Deal, your property must first undergo an assessment, carried out by an assessor who will then provide a Green Deal Advice Report, detailing any improvements that are needed and the costs of doing so. The assessment usually costs a fee, but can go a long way to saving you a considerable amount on your energy bills. You can also check out the Energy Gr ants Calculator to find out ways your household could improve on energy efficiency.

Here at A&D Plumbing Services, we are proud to offer the highest standard of services to all our customers, including the installation of superb energy efficient boilers. Our engineers will work efficiently and professionally to ensure that you can start reaping the energy benefits from your new system the moment it is installed in your home or business.

Get in touch today to chat to one of our friendly advisors on: 01206 205 940