RHPP Phase 2 launch imminent

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) is being be extended with a new budget of £25 million: £10m for a new social landlords' competition, £8m for a new communities competition and £7m for an extension of the existing scheme.

The second phase of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme, which gives money off  air and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels, will be launched on 2 April this year and will be worth £10m more than the existing scheme.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: "The new Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme will be bigger and better than the original. We're increasing the budget from £15m to £25m, for the first time we're including community schemes and there'll be more social housing schemes that can benefit.

Those people who are reliant on expensive oil or electric heating should consider applying to the Premium Payment scheme to cut their fuel bills in the long term.

"Generating heat from renewables will not just cut carbon emissions, it will also help create a market in developing, selling and installing kit like solar thermal panels or heat pumps."

The scheme will continue to be administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

GRANTs

In October 2012 the RHI tariff is expected to be introduced. This will include the Green Deal financing scheme for domestic heat pump installations. Owners of domestic installations completed after July 2009 which meet the required criteria will be able to apply for an RHI tariff payment. See the Energy Saving Trust for more information.