Boiler scrappage scheme comes into effect

The new 'boiler scrappage scheme', which offers households in England money off the cost of purchasing a new boiler, has come into effect.

The scheme was announced by Chancellor Alistair Darling in the Pre-Budget Report, with the aim of helping to cut carbon emissions, reduce household energy bills, and support jobs within the energy industry.

The boiler scrappage scheme offers up to 125,000 households a contribution of £400 towards to the cost of upgrading their boiler to a high efficiency A-rated boiler, or a renewable heating technology.

In order to qualify for the scheme, householders must have a boiler that is at least G-rated.

To apply for the cashback voucher, they must first obtain a quote for a new boiler from a qualified installer, and then send details of their existing boiler, the planned replacement and the proposed installer to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

More information on the scheme is available from the EST website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.