A London Boiler Cashback Scheme, which will give up to 6,500 owner occupiers and accredited private landlords in the capital the chance to claim £400 cash back, has been announced by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London,
The £2.6 million scheme, which will be administered by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) across the 33 London boroughs and the Corporation of London., will see money given back once a working but inefficient boiler (rated at 70% efficient or less) is replaced with a new ‘A-rated’ model, or a renewable/low carbon heating system.
It is estimated that London’s homes are responsible for 36% of the city’s carbon emissions, and space heating and hot water is the largest contributor of this, accounting for around 85% of all domestic carbon emissions.
The scheme, which was announced on Tuesday February 2, is reminiscent of the boiler scrappage schemes previously run by both the UK and Scottish governments and seeks to encourage home owners and private landlords to take proactive action to reduce their fuel bills and carbon emissions.
The Mayor said: “This scorching scheme will help 6,500 London homes become more energy efficient and cut annual bills. As well as saving hard earned cash, upgrading an old boiler gives the environment a huge boost by lowering carbon emissions and making our air sweeter. I encourage everyone harbouring ancient boiler artefacts to sign up to my Boiler Cashback Scheme now and benefit from a brand new cost effective heating system.”
Reaction from the industry was extremely encouraging.
Tim Pollard, head of sustainability at Plumb Center, which – with 49 branches within the M25 – is the largest distributor of heating products in London, said: “Today’s announcement is good news for London’s homeowners and private landlords. Boilers account for over half of the average household’s annual energy spend and four-fifths of a home’s carbon emissions, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference. This cashback scheme offers homeowners the opportunity to claim back around 20% of the install cost so presents a very appealing proposition.”
“Previous scrappage schemes have proved to stimulate action and we have no doubt this initiative will do likewise. Our branches are already prepared for the spike in demand with the majority of boiler brands and models in stock now for immediate collection, and our branch teams are ready to advise installers on how they can help their domestic customers to take advantage of the scheme.”
Adam Foy, Ideal’s head of product and marketing, said: “The scheme is hugely beneficial for homeowners, as research from the EST shows that replacing an old, non-condensing gas boiler with an energy efficient A-rated condensing boiler could save householders up to £340 in heating bills each year.
“The UK has to meet tough energy reduction commitments – 20% by 2020 – and the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) commitment to improving the energy efficiency of homes in its area will be another step towards meeting that target.”
Neil Schofield, head of external affairs at Worcester, Bosch Group, said: “Where previous industry incentives have involved too much red tape, the London Boiler Cashback Scheme does away with the complications and makes things as simple as possible for both the installer and the householder.
“This is a simple policy with clear benefits for everyone involved, and the (GLA) should be praised for adopting a common sense approach to heating efficiency.”