As interest continues to grow around the work of Professor Curran and the Climate Emergency Consultation Transformation Team, the Isle of Man Government is calling for residents to check the eligibility criteria and to apply for grants under the Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Professor Curran and his team are currently working on a Climate Change Action Plan which will inform the Isle of Man Government’s report to be laid before Tynwald in January 2020. The commitment by Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, in May 2019, for the Island to play its part to tackle climate change will see the Isle of Man 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 while contributing to the Island’s commitment to tackle climate change.
An eligible individual applicant may have an income of up to £29,000 per annum and an eligible jointly taxed couple may have an income of up to £43,000 per annum combined.
The Energy Efficiency Scheme was launched to assist residents with fuel bills and reduce usage of fossil fuels in line with measures to deliver on a pledge in the Programme for Government and contribute to targets set in the Climate Change Mitigation Strategy.
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.
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.
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 from this scheme 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 shouldn’t 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 as a global partner to tackle climate change we must work together to achieve our goal of net carbon zero by 2050.’
For more information please visit: www.gov.im/EnergyEfficiencyScheme or email energysave@gov.im
