Manufacturer of heating and hot water technologies, Worcester, Bosch Group, has called for initiatives to be made available for off-mains gas homes to improve their energy efficiency.
Last week, the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) proposed the extension of the gas grid to help homes overcome fuel poverty. Part of the review called for more to be done to help those who rely on alternative sources of energy to heat their home, including LPG and oil.
Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support at Worcester, Bosch Group, believes the suggestion put forward by the EUA is certainly one way to resolve the problem but that there are other, perhaps less expensive options out there.
Martyn said:
“The EUA’s proposal is one approach which could be taken with a view to tackling problems experienced by those off-mains gas homes. However, it is my belief that rather than the large expenditure and investment extending the mains supply to the off mains gas areas that would be needed, we could look at a more practical and significantly less expensive solution which would help these homes to make savings.
“Earlier this year, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) gave considerable financial support to those homes which are on mains gas, helping them find more efficient solutions and ultimately reduce their fuel bills. Yet there was no support for those households that were off the mains gas network. This was something of an oversight in my opinion and when questioned, the Department of Energy and Climate Change officials responded that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Green Deal were the mechanisms in place for these types of households. The success, or rather lack of it, of the domestic RHI and the Green Deal has been well documented in the national press and TV. Therefore, to have this as the only assistance to off mains gas properties was essentially going to leave these householders with effectively nothing.
“Therefore, I suggest we introduce a new policy for those homes off-mains gas in which they are eligible for funding to invest in energy efficient enhancements. The homes which would benefit are older properties in rural areas and are calling out for a way to reduce their heating spend. In effect, let’s see a boiler scrappage scheme for off mains gas properties or extend the scope of the GDHIF to off mains gas when it is supposedly re-introduced in 2015.
“While the EUA’s ideas may not be the only solution, it is encouraging that thought is being given to improving the efficiency of all of the UK housing stock. I hope it will prompt others to reflect on what needs to be done and hopefully we can come up with a suitable solution together.“