Chair of the Stormont Social Development Committee, Simon Hamilton has asked for serious consideration to be given to the introduction of a Boiler Scrappage Scheme, noting that as well as improving energy efficiency, such an incentive would provide an economic stimulus for both local manufacturers and installers of boilers and renewable heating systems.

At present the Boiler Scrappage Scheme in England has not been extended to any of the devolved regions, but following similar recent calls from both the Welsh and Scottish assemblies, Northern Ireland is now asking for such a scheme to be introduced.

Hamilton said that based on the clear advantages the scheme will bring for England, it is essential that the introduction of a similar scheme in Northern Ireland is given careful consideration. 

The Social Development Committee has already raised the issue with a motion being tabled for debate in the Assembly to examine the scope for the introduction of a similar scheme at some future stage.

Support for a Boiler Scrappage Scheme from the devolved assemblies can be registered at the following petition site: http://reheatbritain.org.uk/

CBI Director-General, Richard Lambert believes both businesses and homeowners alike require the relevant energy-efficiency education and incentives in order to implement energy saving measures so to create a national ’sea change’ in the usage of energy. Lambert continued “… we need easy-to-access support and incentives to encourage improved insulation in homes and offices, a switch to more fuel-efficient cars, and other energy savings steps.”

The recently announced Boiler Scrappage Scheme is one incentive initiative, providing homeowners in England and Wales the opportunity to scrap and replace their old G-rated boilers for new energy efficient boilers.

Following on from nPower, British Gas have also announced their own Boiler Scrappage Scheme by offering additional savings on new A-rated energy-efficient boilers, which includes 1 year’s free HomeCare 200™ -
British Gas’s emergency breakdown service covering existing radiators and pipework.

The Scottish Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes the scheme would be both beneficial to their economy, while contributing to their own energy efficient measures. Together with the FSB, the Scottish Labour Party and ‘Green’ campaigners are calling for a Scottish Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

The Chancellor Darling announced up to £400 grants for c.125,000 households in England and Wales for scrapping and replacing their old and existing G-rated boilers for new energy efficient models.

A spokesman for the FSB was recently quoted; “The ‘greener boiler’ incentive is good news for the environment and the householder but it also has the scope to provide work for local businesses, whether as prime or subcontractors.”

A Scottish Government spokesman has confirmed they are in consultations regarding energy efficiency action plans including an incentive to replace old, inefficient boilers.

The Boiler Scrappage Team would be surprised if Scotland didn’t follow Westminster’s Pre-Budget lead, as there would be a ‘Green’ disconnect within the United Kingdom, which would probably be frowned upon by the rest of Europe.

Furthermore, there is also discussion concerning a retrospective rebate in the event of a homeowner recently replacing their G-rated boiler. The Government could provide a pleasant surprise to homeowners located in England, who have recently ripped-out their old G-rated boiler unit and installed a new energy efficient model. Details are to be announced very shortly.

The Government’s objective is to provide homeowners the opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the efficiencies of certain domestic appliances. It has been currently estimated 125,000 households are eligible for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

The Government has stated in it’s pre-budget report that it intends to officially launch the Boiler Scrappage Scheme at the earliest possible date;
7.36 Installing an efficient heating system can be another cost-effective way to cut household energy bills and carbon emissions, as domestic heating accounts for 13 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing an older boiler with the latest efficient models can reduce a household’s energy bill by around £230 a year. The Pre-Budget Report announces a £400 incentive to help up to 125,000 households upgrade their boiler, available to those who buy a new boiler or renewable heat unit to replace a working G-rated boiler. The Government will work with industry to launch the scheme at the earliest opportunity in 2010.

Homeowners in England will now be able to claim £400 subsidies for the purchase of new energy efficient boilers through a new, (and much petitioned) Boiler Scrappage Scheme, which was finally announced today by Chancellor Darling in his pre-budget report.

Similar to the car scrappage scheme concept, owners will now be able to trade in their old, inefficient boilers for new efficient models so to achieve a significant performance upgrade to their central heating and hot water system, while saving money on fuel bills.

Specifically, existing boilers rated G or worse will be eligible for the £400 boiler scrappage subsidy. Full details remain in abeyance as the Government once again dithers on the detail. However, gas industry sources are speculating that the actual subsidy claim would be the responsibility of the retailer or supplier – similar to the car scrappage scheme.

Controversially, the £50m Boiler Scrappage Scheme is only applicable to homes located within England and will most probably funded through tax receipts. The scheme is expected to commence early in the new year – (as the cold weather begins to bite!) and run until the £50m funds are used up.

Energy consultants from price comparison website – uSwitch.com, claim typical heating and hot water bills are over £750 per annum, and estimate a new, energy efficient boiler could save a typical homeowner nearly £250 off that bill.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme provides families and homeowners the opportunity to greatly improve the performance, efficiency and safety of their heating systems during the coldest months of the years.