The new scheme will come into force on 1 April. It will be targeted specifically at the over 60s, who are likely to be more vulnerable to fuel poverty.
The Welsh boiler scrappage scheme is open to over 60s across Wales who have an inefficient (G-rated) boiler. Eligible applicants will receive a £500 voucher towards the costs of replacing their old boiler.
Details of the of the delivery mechanism and application process for the scheme are currently being finalised and will be announced shortly. The scheme will open for applications on 1 April. No waiting list will be operated in advance of that date.
In her statement to Assembly Members, Jane Davidson said:
“We have allocated £2.5 million to the boiler scrappage scheme for 2010/11 and expect up to 5,000 Welsh households to benefit from a significant improvement in the energy performance of their heating systems as a result.
“We are also investing an additional £1.4 million to tackle fuel poverty through our Home Energy Efficiency Scheme during the next financial year. To date the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has assisted over 100,000 households across Wales with heating and insulation measures as a result of a £100 million investment in the programme.
“This additional funding underlines the Assembly Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling fuel poverty and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Wales.”
Replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler could save households up to £235 per year in energy costs, as well as significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
