Tynwald will be asked to approve a new scheme at its July sitting which aims to support low income households to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Developed by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), the scheme will offer support to households with a taxable income of less than £15,000 a year. Grants of up to 75% of costs will be available, with a cap of £1,000 per property.
The grants will fund home improvements such as draught-proofing, the installation of insulation for lofts and cavity walls, and thermostatic radiator valves. Energy efficiency surveys will also be available.
Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Geoffrey Boot MHK, said:
'Government is committed to tackling climate change and has a target to reduce the Island’s greenhouse gas emissions per person by 80% from 1990 levels by the year 2050.
'In the Programme for Government we set out our ambition to have a sustainable Island and part of this is a commitment to reduce CO2 emission from properties.'
Greenhouse gasses are generated in a number of ways, such as burning fossil fuels. The gasses contribute to global warming and the dangerous affect this can have on the Earth’s climate, including changes to weather patterns and higher sea levels.
The Minister continued:
'Improving energy efficiency is a vital first step in reducing property related emissions. Through measures such as better insulation homes stay warmer whilst requiring less heating. Lower energy use means less emissions and smaller energy bills – a real win-win.'
If approved by Tynwald, grants will be available from 23 July 2018.
Minister for the Treasury, Alfred Cannan MHK, said:
'In this year’s Budget, Government showed its commitment to supporting those on lower incomes by lifting 1,700 people out of the tax net. Other initiatives, such as DEFA’s new Energy Efficiency Scheme, extends this support for those on low incomes, which I welcome. The scheme will give practical financial assistance, resulting in lower energy bills.'
Further information, including guidance and an application form, will be available online from this date or by contacting DEFA on Freephone 0808 1624276 or emailing energysave@gov.im.
