On 1st February 2010, DECC announced its response to the Feed in Tariffs (FIT) consultation and published a new consultation document on the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Financial Support scheme. Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has criticised the proposals, which would see wood burning stoves excluded from the RHI.
Mr Bates comments:
“Excluding wood burning stoves from the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive scheme makes no sense. Many houses simply do not have the outside space or the south facing roof necessary for a solar hot water system, so a wood stove is the most practical option.
“Wood stoves can heat a single room or a whole building and are totally carbon neutral, providing the fuel is sourced from sustainable forests. These stoves not only produce less carbon emissions than gas or oil, but they can help biodiversity by reinstating the tree-regeneration cycle.
“At a time when we are facing the dual challenge of rising gas and oil prices and the need to reduce carbon emissions from homes, the Government must be implementing practical schemes that will help individuals and communities take action to reduce their energy use and energy costs.
“I have added my support to include wood burning stoves in the Renewable Heat Incentive, so that individuals can be given the encouragement and support to make green changes in their home and help build a decentralised local energy system.”
