Pay As You Save (PAYS) is an innovative finance solution that will give households the opportunity to invest in energy efficiency (such as solid wall insulation) and microgeneration technologies (such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps & solar thermal panels) in their homes with no upfront cost.
Householders will make repayments spread over a long enough period so that repayments are lower than their predicted energy bill savings, meaning financial and carbon savings are made from day one.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has asked the Energy Saving Trust to conduct a pilot scheme to trial and assess elements of the PAYS concept and is providing £4m of funding to cover capital measures with £2m available in 2009/10 and the balance in 2010/11.
The pilot scheme is being launched shortly, with around 500 homes from Birmingham, Sunderland, Stroud and the London Borough of Sutton being offered the chance to receive a whole house energy makeover.
What are the objectives of the PAYS pilot?
- The objectives are to: Test consumer interest in elements of PAYS finance packages in particular the relationship between repayments and savings.
- Provide lessons on how to market and communicate these finances packages.
- Test which types of partners consumers prefer to make repayments to (energy bills or council).
- Test the required levels of subsidy to overcome the barrier of high capital costs for more expensive energy efficiency and microgeneration measures.
- Test the viability of setting up the different finance models with partners and provide recommendations for partner organisations.
Further information can be found here alternatively, you can speak with AlternEnergy directly on 0161 627-5144.
The Low Carbon Buildings Program Phase 1 If you're a householder interested in generating your own heat you can apply online for a grant. You can apply for up to £2,500 per property towards the cost of microgeneration technologies.
To find out more about grants for householders, amounts available and how to apply online please click on the following link, Low Carbon Building Program (LCBP), or you can contact AlternEnergy directly.
Grants are currently provided towards the cost of installing the following technologies: Solar thermal hot water Ground source heat pumps Air source heat pumps Wood fuelled heating (Biomass) From 6th April, many homeowners will be able to install microgeneration equipment, like solar panels, without needing to get planning permission; as long as there is clearly no impact on others.
For a quick online decision on your grant application, via the Low Carbon Buildings Program, please click here:- http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/how/householders/online/application...