Government's 'Green Deal' goes live
Published on 28 January 2013 11:30 AM
Far more people have registered interest in the Government's new energy efficiency scheme than has been reported, ministers have claimed.
The Green Deal loan scheme goes live on Monday with the aim of helping Brits to install energy saving technologies without any upfront costs.
Initial reports suggested that only five assessments had been carried out in the run-up to today's launch.
However, officials at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said anecdotal information from suppliers suggested hundreds of household have signed up for assessments.
How the scheme works
Older people interested in heating their homes more efficiently can have their property reviewed by an accredited assessor, who will lay out their upgrade options and provide a clear idea of over the length of time in which the work would begin to 'pay for itself'.
Homeowners can then seek a quote for the work from Green Deal Providers, with work carried out by an approved list of Green Deal Installers.
The cost of the work is covered by a loan from the Green Deal Finance Company, with repayments added to the cost of the household electricity bill.
Problems created for those selling their house?
A central plank of the Green Deal dictates that borrowers should not pay back more in loan repayments than they are saving on their energy bill.
However, with repayments attached to properties rather than individuals, industry analysts have raised concerns that it could make life harder for homeowners wishing to sell their house.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: 'The Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less.
'Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements - and their energy bills will fall.'
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey called the scheme 'a great deal', adding: 'Improve the look and feel of your home, make it cosier and at the same time save energy - what's not to like?'
Ed Matthews, head of fuel poverty campaign group Energy Bill Revolution, said the scheme was insufficient in the face of soaring heating bills.
'The Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, will not stop fuel poverty rocketing in the face of high gas prices,' he said.
Copyright Press Association 2013