Strong interest in energy equipment subsidy scheme

There has been a strong uptake of applications for a new government refund scheme on energy saving equipment, with 118 applications within a few hours for refunds on photovoltaic panels and another 133 on solar water heaters.

The scheme opened this morning.

Resources Minister George Pullicino said there also were eight applications for refunds on roof insulation.

He explained that applicants first had to get a quote from their retailers and apply to the Malta Resources Authority. No equipment can be installed before the MRA gives its go-ahead.

Mr Pullicino said retailers of such equipment had to register and be certified by the MRA. The purpose was to ensure that their equipment met EU standards and achieved the required savings.

Referring to an earlier press conference by Opposition environment spokesman Leo Brincat, Mr Pullicino denied that people had been misled about when the scheme would start. Every scheme had a launch date, he said, and people knew this. However, those who had applied before today would still be eligible for refunds under previous schemes.

Further information is available at www.mra.org.mt.

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 - 200 families are expected to benefit.

€300,000 were allocated to fund 33 per cent of the price of insulation and double-glazing, for a maximum of €300.

Applications will continue to be received up to the end of the month.

See also:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090216/local/pl-demands-review-of-energy-equipment-subsidy-scheme