New schemes for energy-saving equipment opened

About 118 families have already applied for a refund on photovoltaic panels under one of the new government schemes on energy-saving equipment that opened yesterday and will benefit 200 households.

Another 133 people applied for refunds on the purchase of solar water heaters and eight for a rebate on roof insulation under another two schemes that are to benefit about 5,500 families between them, Resources Minister George Pullicino said.

The three schemes, which operate on a first-come first-serve basis, were first announced in the November Budget. They were officially launched at the end of January and opened yesterday.

However, at a press conference yesterday morning Labour Party environment spokesman Leo Brincat criticised the confusing manner in which the schemes were introduced.

While stressing that he agreed with the schemes in principle, Mr Brincat pointed out that following the budget speech several people had rushed to buy the energy-saving equipment not to miss out on the "first-come, first-serve" opportunity.

After having spent their money, these people later learnt they were not eligible under the new schemes because they came into force yesterday. Mr Brincat added that suppliers were also left in the dark as to how the schemes would operate.

Reacting to this, Mr Pullicino noted that during the budget speech no date had been given for the schemes and everyone knew a scheme had a beginning and an end.

Those who had purchased household energy-saving equipment before yesterday could apply under the old schemes (which gave a €233 rebate on solar water heaters and about €1,170 on photovoltaic panels) but were not eligible for the new ones, he said.

Mr Pullicino explained that anyone interested in applying under the new schemes had to first get a quotation from the shop, then fill an application form and submit it to the Malta Resources' Authority.

Equipment should not be installed before the authority gave the green light and had to be installed within four months of the official go-ahead, he stressed.

This was because not all suppliers provided equipment that complied with EU standards and could therefore lead to savings. The authority had to ensure the suppliers were registered and approved. Until yesterday, he said, 16 suppliers were registered although applications were still open.

In the budget, the government allocated €2 million to the purchase of solar water heaters, through which the buyer can benefit from two-thirds of the cost for a maximum of €460. It is predicted that 4,500 families will benefit from this scheme.

It also allocated €500,000 to fund half the price of photovoltaic panels for a maximum of €3,000 and 200 families are expected to benefit.

A total of €300,000 was allocated to fund 33 per cent of the price of insulation and double-glazing, for a maximum of €300. It is predicted 1,000 families will benefit here.

Anyone who wants to apply for the household schemes can pick up an application form from the authority's Marsa office or download it from the website www.mra.org.mt.

Applications for the purchase of photovoltaic panels will be received by the authority until February 28. Those for other systems will be received until February 16 next year.

For the next two weeks, opening hours for the submissions will be from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.