Can you apply for a grant to do your bit to combat climate change?

The government is calling for residents to check the eligibility criteria and to apply for grants under the Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Professor James Curran and his Climate Emergency Consultation Transformation Team are currently working on an action plan, which will ’inform’ the government’s report to be laid before Tynwald in January 2020.

In May Chief Minister Howard Quayle pledged that the island would become net carbon zero by 2050.

Successful applicants will receive funding to make energy efficiency improvements to their home, which will reduce emissions and save money on household energy bills.

An eligible individual applicant may have an income of up to £29,000 per year and an eligible jointly taxed couple may have an income of up to £43,000 per year combined.

fossil fuels

The Energy Efficiency Scheme was launched to help residents with fuel bills and reduce use of fossil fuels.

The scheme can provide grants of up to 75% of the cost of energy efficiency improvement works, up to a maximum of £1,000 per household.

The grant could cover an energy efficiency survey, loft insulation materials, associated works to access roof space for insulation works, draught-proofing of windows and doors, installation of room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves or any other home improvement to achieve greater energy efficiency.

The government says that relatively low cost measures can result in significant reductions in emissions and household heating bills. Adding loft insulation could save a household around £200 a year on heating bills.

grants

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’Residential properties are the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the Isle of Man. Grants can help those who fall within the income threshold to make energy efficiency improvements to their home and therefore reduce emissions and save on energy bills.

’Reducing emissions should not mean we use less energy than we need. By making our homes more energy efficient we can ensure we have enough light and warmth to stay safe and comfortable at home while reducing emissions, which is even more important as we head into the colder and darker months.

’As the Isle of Man looks to do its part to tackle climate change we must work together to achieve our goal of net carbon zero by 2050.’

For more information visit: www.gov.im/EnergyEfficiencyScheme