Important information 4th February 2010 The Low Carbon Buildings Programme ( LCBP) Phase 1 and Phase 2 has closed to all new applications for grants for electrical microgeneration as of 5pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010, which follows the publication of the Government's decision document on the Feed-In Tariffs (FIT). Northern Ireland does not currently have the legislative powers to propose such an incentive and a Feed-In Tariff will certainly not be introduced within the timeframe planned for GB. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have consulted on other changes being proposed for the Renewables Obligation in Northern Ireland from 2010 including consideration of the support for small scale generation. No decision has been taken as to whether the introduction of a similar feed-in tariff is appropriate for NI but all options are being assessed.

Residential - NIE Top-Up Grant (Northern Ireland Only)

This top-up grant was applicable in Northern Ireland, and was open to householders that had sucessfully applied for LCBP funding. Funding was calculated on £500/kWp up to a maximum of £3,000 per installation. Obviously, with the withdrawal of the LCBP Scheme, this top-up grant is currently unavailable. It appears the is still a desire from NIE to grant assist microgerneration, but exaclty how this is going to be administered remains to be seen.

Commercial - Interest Free Loans for Industry

Unsecured interest-free Energy-Efficiency loans of up to £100,000 (£200,000 in Northern Ireland) are available for SMEs through the Carbon Trust for when you replace or upgrade your existing equipment with a more energy-efficient version to fund projects such as lighting, boilers or insulation.

Please contact us for details of you local Carbon Trust Representative