Boiler scrappage scheme gathers momentum

Gas fitters and other sole-traders are likely to welcome news that the government’s ‘Boiler Scrappage Scheme’ is beginning to gather momentum.

The scheme was started back in January to upgrade 125,000 household heating systems in England to help cut carbon emissions, and save money on fuel bills. The scheme is also expected to help sustain work for people operating in the heating industry.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change reports 54,758 vouchers have been snapped up by homeowners under the government lead initiative. This leaves just over 70,000 vouchers worth at least £28 million still available to consumers.

Homeowners can apply for a grant to help them replace a boiler with a ‘G’ energy rating, the lowest one available. The available money is to be used to replace them with A-rated boilers or their equivalents. A significant number of boilers throughout the UK, over 10 years old, are thought to be eligible for this scheme.

Roger Webb, the Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), commented:

“The boiler scrappage scheme has injected new life into the domestic heating market for both manufacturers and installers. Industry has been stimulated on many levels and the generation of enquires has been huge.”

Mr Webb added that gas fitters are delighted that both new and existing customers are realising the benefits of the scheme and are acting on the chance to replace their G-rated boilers.