MALVERN is losing out.

Householders and businesses could be getting paid from the Government’s renewable energy incentive schemes which are available for renewable energy users: low carbon technologies such as Solar panels, Heat pumps and Biomass boilers let you generate your own energy, saving you money. Even better, in the process renewable energy use could be making a real difference by reducing the area’s carbon footprint. Malvern residents could be benefitting far more than they are. There is now an urgency to improve the uptake of solar panel installation whilst the very good financial incentives are still available.

Whilst the Government’s schemes are still available, there has never been a better time to install renewable energy into homes. Time may be running out for householders to benefit from Feed in Tariffs (FITs) as the Government has announced a review of the financial incentives that are currently available. Whilst this is very disappointing, there will be no change to the terms for existing installations or any installed before any change that is decided in the Spring.

Feed in Tariffs were introduced by the UK Government in April 2010 encouraging the uptake of renewable, electricity generating technologies. Homes or businesses that install electricity-generating technology from a renewable, or low carbon source such as solar PV or wind turbines could be eligible for payments from their energy supplier. Malvern residents could be paid for the energy produced at home, and for any surplus energy exported back into the national grid.

A potential financial return of up to 15% is being missed out on by households, and high power use businesses could be achieving up to a 20% return. David McCann of Energy Solutions Malvern and a member of Chance 4 Change: Low Carbon Malvern confirms that the Government are reviewing Feed in Tariffs and says that there has been an uptake in solar panel installations across Malvern ahead of any change. There is a very long way to go before Malvern really does it bit and raises the number of households enjoying renewable energy up from the current approx. 5%.

For further information or advice, contact Chance 4 Change through the Transition Malvern Hills website: www.transitionmalvernhills.org.uk. Chance 4 Change: Low Carbon Malvern is a Forum for public, local government and community groups in Malvern and district who want to know more about the effects of climate change and what they can do about it.

Alternatively, contact the Energy Saving Trust http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (advice phone line 0300 123 1234).