Low uptake for Energy Efficiency Scheme

Grants for just two households since July last year

Just two Manx homes have received grants through the Energy Efficiency Scheme since it launched last year.

Around 12,000 low income households qualify for support to help make their properties more energy efficient, but just £400 has been awarded since July 2018.

A grant of £250 went to one resident towards the cost of loft insulation, while another used £150 for radiator control temperature valves.

Those eligible for the scheme can receive up to 75% or £250 for each improvement work, and up to a maximum of £1,000 per property.

The scheme has also resulted in 132 low income households receiving free LED light bulbs, which the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture estimates will save a total of £19,500 in energy bills annually, and reduce CO2 emissions by 50 tonnes.

In a written answer at this week's sitting of the House of Keys, Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot admits the figures don't indicate a great uptake.

However, he hopes the current consultation on climate change will help his Department evolve the scheme so that more households take advantage of the funding in the future.