Woodfuel from Hedgerow Group
Following our demonstration event in November 2012, we had a
very useful initial
meeting which 14 people attended on the 5th January. We decided
to run some work parties in February on John Quicke's land in
Newton St Cyres. These work parties are listed and described in the event calendar
and all are very welcome to attend. The contract with John Quicke
has been agreed and signed. Sustainable Crediton is now insured
with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, but the
coverage does not include the use of chainsaws. We have applied for
a grant to cover chainsaw training and competency testing as well
as hedgelaying training.
Warm Homes Project
We are how half way through this project. All the original 21
householders have received energy performance and renewable energy
surveys. Most have now received quotes from our chosen installers
and are mulling over their options. At least one householder has
committed an order for air source heat pumps. We have also selected
an insulation contractor to assist householders upgrade their
insulation where required to meet the requirements of the
project.
A handful of the original householders have dropped out for
various reasons as this is a no obligation scheme. We have replaced
two, but have grants available if anyone else is interested in
renewable heating for their home. If you would like more details,
please contact charles as the deadline for installations is
the 31st March.
The Government has just announced its flagship policy to promote
energy efficiency and renewables to British homes. The savings in
your energy usage should be able to pay off the cost of the work
done and the interest charged. This is known as the Golden Rule. In
a nutshell what you need to do
-
Get an assessment of your property to see what
improvements you can make and how much you could save on your
energy bills.
-
Choose a Green Deal provider to carry out the work. You
discuss with them what work you want done and whether the Green
Deal is right for you.
-
If you go ahead with the improvements you must sign your Green
Deal Plan - this is a contract between you and the provider stating
what work will be done and how much it will cost. The provider will
then arrange for a Green Deal installer to do the work.
-
Once the work is done, you'll pay off the money in instalments through your
electricity bill over a ten to twenty five year term. The Green
Deal loan is attached to the property.