Firms report increased inquiries for cash help to upgrade boilers (From Worcester News)

Firms report increased inquiries for cash help to upgrade boilers

8:10am Sunday 31st January 2010 in

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PEOPLE are being urged to take advantage of the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme as two major energy suppliers report an increase in customer enquiries about new boilers.

Residents are advised to find out more and see if they can benefit through the national scheme, run by The Energy Savings Trust, which offers money off the bill to replace old and inefficient G-rated boilers with a new A-rated model.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, waste and sustainability chief at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We are pleased to be able to support this scheme, which offers practical and financial assistance for householders with the most inefficient boilers to upgrade their heating systems.

“We would encourage local residents to find out if they are eligible for the scheme and then to shop around for the best deal as many energy suppliers and other organisations are promoting different offers.”

The Worcester-based energy supplier Npower and boiler supplier Worcester Bosch have both reported an increase in customer inquiries since the Government launched the scheme.

Npower said it has seen a six-fold increase in customer calls while the contact centre at Bosch has received hundreds of enquiries about how people can apply for the scheme.

Last month, Npower became the first energy supplier to launch its own boiler scrappage scheme, but with the new Government announcement, consumers could now be eligible to receive as much as £800 towards the cost of a new gas boiler installation.

They could also save nearly £235 off an annual gas bill when replacing one that is G-rated.

Kevin Miles, from Npower Retail, said: “As we endure the coldest winter for 30 years, we are finding that the boiler scrappage scheme is really striking a chord with our customers.

“With the average cost of a boiler installation at around £2,500, £800 is a significant discount.

“We are encouraging any interested parties to act quickly to benefit from the scheme, as the Government has a finite pot of money which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.”

Worcester Bosch has heaped praise on the Government for making its boiler scrappage scheme easy to access for homeowners after it was launched.

A spokesman said: “Worcester Bosch welcomes the boiler scrappage scheme as it raises the profile of central heating systems and boilers and provides an incentive to consider changing your boiler to a significantly more efficient product.”

Householders could save between £200 and £235 a year on energy bills by taking advantage of the switch, but people are advised to ensure their boilers are classed as G-rated before checking details of the schemes which are on offer.

To find out about the energy rating of your current boiler and for more information, contact the Energy Saving Trust by visiting est.org.uk or calling its advice line on 0800 512 012.