Calls for Boiler Scrappage Scheme extension

OFTEC LEAD CALLS FOR NEW INITIATIVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN NORTHERN IRELAND....

Calls for Boiler Scrappage Scheme extension

OFTEC has called for the Boiler Scrappage scheme to be extended to Northern Ireland.

After what seemed like victory in the campaign for a boiler scrappage scheme, Northern Ireland was hit with the bad news that the province will be excluded from the initiative.

Chancellor, Alastair Darling, announced in his December Pre-Budget report that the British Government were set to give 125,000 households up to £400 each to upgrade their old boilers as part of the £50million scheme set to be launched this year. But after the initial delight, the finer detail has now emerged showing that the scheme will only be applicable to England. That has prompted calls from OFTEC to have the scheme extended to Northern Ireland and they have written to Sammy Wilson MP, Finance Minister for Northern Ireland, asking him to allocate funding for a boiler scrappage scheme in Northern Ireland.

As well as the new scheme in England, SEI in the Republic of Ireland also manage a similar initiative called the Home Energy Savings Scheme, so there are genuine fears that Northern Ireland will miss out. OFTEC Ireland Manager, David Blevings said, “The idea is a good one; consumers installing a modern controlled system can reduce their energy use, decrease C02 emissions and save money all in one go. If the Northern Ireland Assembly is serious about reducing emissions then a proposal for a boiler scrappage scheme for owner occupiers warrants serious consideration. “The recent Sutherland independent energy tables show that consumers in Northern Ireland could save as much as £170 per annum by upgrading to an oil condensing boiler.”

The news that the scheme is not set to be introduced into Northern Ireland is a body blow to the local industry, particularly as it has placed its weight behind the online Reheat Britain campaign started by Mike Williams, Managing Director of English plumbers’ merchants, Williams and Co. Inspired by the success of the vehicle scrappage scheme, Mick began a simple petition on the No 10 website and managed to attract support from manufacturers such as Baxi and Worcester Bosch, as well as trade organisations including the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineers. The campaign also received cross-party support from a host of MPs, including four from the DUP.

The English scheme will be opened to households with so-called G-rated boilers, which are less than 70% efficient, with the cash incentive paid if they replace them with an A-rated boiler.

The concept would not only boost boiler manufacturing, with around 60% of boilers used in the UK manufactured in the country, but it would also help struggling installers. To speak to David about calls for a boiler scrappage scheme in Northern Ireland, telephone 0845 600 2105.

“The recent Sutherland independent energy tables show that consumers in Northern Ireland could save as much as £170 per annum by upgrading to an oil condensing boiler.”