Householders, registered Charities or a Community Interest Companies (CIC) can start to use the Green Deal to make energy-saving improvements, such as loft insulation, solid wall insulation and new heating systems will qualify for a cash-back scheme for a limited period.
The Green Deal is the Government’s new initiative to transform the UK market for energy efficiency. It will let homes and businesses make energy efficiency improvements with the costs repaid through expected savings on their energy bills.
Similar to traditional cash-back, the more work households decide to have done, the more cash they could receive. To qualify for the Cash-back Scheme, households need to book a Green Deal property assessment so they are then ready to have improvements installed under the Green Deal from 28 January 2013 and get their cash-back.
A total of £125 million is available so hundreds of thousands of people could qualify. The rates currently available are guaranteed for the first £40 million of the scheme. Community minded households will have the option of donating some or all of their cash-back to registered charities and Community Interest Companies who have signed up with the scheme administrator.
The Green Deal Cash-back scheme is a time-bound offer and is limited to one per household, but can cover a package of improvements so long as the householder is contributing to installation costs and work done is overseen by an authorised Green Deal Provider.
To qualify for the Cash-back Scheme householders need to:
- have a Green Deal assessment carried out on their property;
- get and agree quotes from a Green Deal Provider (this could be directly with a national brand or through a local tradesperson linked with a Provider);
- apply for a cash-back voucher online or by phone (0300 123 1234); and
complete works within the specified period.
Householders wanting to find out more about the Green Deal and book a property assessment should call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.
Further information about the Green Deal Cash-Back scheme can be found at http://gdcashback.decc.gov.uk/