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Norfolk householders encouraged to make the most of financial incentive to generate green energy
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| Wednesday 1st September 2010 |
Green householders in Norfolk can cut their carbon footprint and make money from producing energy.
In April, the Government launched the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) that gives people generating their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources the chance to make money. Under the scheme, householders are paid a fixed rate for the electricity they generate and can then sell surplus energy to the national grid. This is in addition to the money they save on their electricity bills.
Householders interested in generating renewable energy are being advised to seek professional advice before buying services from tradesmen and businesses.
The Norfolk Climate Change Task Force, which brings together representatives from Norfolk County Council and the district councils, recommends householders call the Energy Saving Trust, free, on 0800 512 012, before investing in a system. The trust offers free and impartial advice on the different types of renewable energy sources, and can provide residents with details of where to find accredited installers.
Reputable traders are encouraged to sign up to Norfolk County Council's Trusted Trader Scheme, run by Trading Standards, and in doing so feature in a free directory for Norfolk residents. All the traders in the directory have gone through a process of accreditation, and are required to sign up to the core standards of the Norfolk Trusted Trader Scheme. For more information, telephone 0344 800 8013 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader.
Councillor Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development at Norfolk County Council, said: “I would encourage anybody thinking of switching to green energy to seek professional and independent advice so they can make an informed decision before parting with any money, and ultimately make the most of the Government's FIT scheme.”
One Norfolk resident who has taken advantage of the FIT scheme is Ian Runeckles, who contacted the Energy Saving Trust for advice before installing a renewable energy system at his home in Brundall. In addition to benefitting from the free electricity produced by his solar electricity PV panels, Mr Runeckles can also expect to receive an annual payment of £900, guaranteed for 25 years, from his energy supplier.
He said: “I am over the moon with my system. The process of getting it installed was so easy and I expect the pay back to be around nine years, after which I will receive £900 a year for nothing at all, so it has been a great investment.”
Esme Holtom, Norfolk County Council's sustainability officer and a member of the Norfolk Climate Change Task Force, said: “The Feed-in Tariff offers householders and communities a wonderful opportunity to make money and decrease UK dependency on finite and carbon intensive fossil fuels, such as oil and gas."
James Thorpe, climate change adviser at Broadland District Council, one of the district authorities represented on the task force, said: "The Feed-in Tariff makes generating renewable energy highly competitive and means householders and communities can make significant amounts of money every year for a 25 year period, which means people make the capital cost back twice over so not only is it a way of reducing your carbon emissions but it's also a sound investment.”
As part of the FIT initiative, energy suppliers make regular fixed payments to householders and communities generating energy by solar electricity (PV) panels, wind turbines, hydro systems or anaerobic digestion.
The tariffs vary per technology but the scheme aims to give an overall return of investment no lower than 5%. It could give householders, community groups and businesses the confidence to make long term investments in renewable energy systems.
Systems must have been installed after July 15, 2009 using a Microgeneration Certification Scheme in order to be eligible for the cashback. Householders should also ensure that any installer is accredited to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. To find out more about accredited installers, visit www.microgenerationcertification.org.
More information is available from the Energy Saving Trust East of England advice centre, free, on 0800 512012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. |
| Posted by Kim for Norfolk County Council |
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