Over 54,000 sign up for boiler scrappage scheme

Monday, 15 February 2010 12:00

By myfinances.co.uk staff

Some 54,758 consumers have taken advantage of the government's boiler scrappage scheme so far, leaving around 70,000 vouchers worth a combined £28 million up for grabs.

Under the initiative, which was launched in January, households in England can apply for £400 towards the cost of replacing an old G-rated boiler with a new, energy efficient model.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, which is running the scheme on behalf of the government, installing a modern boiler could cut heating bills by up to £235 a year.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change said companies including British Gas, E.ON, npower and Scottish & Southern Energy are matching the government's voucher, meaning households could potentially save £800 on a new boiler.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband commented: "The boiler scrappage scheme has proved incredibly popular and with energy companies and manufacturers offering deals as well, the government scheme has truly kick-started a national programme of boiler replacement."

He added that as well as saving money on bills, the initiative would help cut carbon emissions and sustain work for around 130,000 installers and 25 UK-based manufacturers.

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