Up to 5,000 households in Scotland will receive £400 towards the cost of a new boiler, under a new boiler scrappage scheme. Households who have a central heating boiler which is listed as a category G rated boiler in the SEDBUK listing (www.sedbuk.com) and which convert less than 70 per cent of fuel into heat, will qualify for cashback on a new energy saving model.

Upgrading to a greener boiler will help households reduce heating costs by about a quarter and save £190 a year on fuel bills.

From Monday 24 May 2010 households will be able to apply online or over the phone through the Scottish Government’s Energy Saving Scotland advice network. However they must use a heating professional who must be registered with Gas Safe (for gas installations) and a recognised industry body such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or SNIPEF. Members of certain other industry schemes may also be used and details of these will be included in the scheme guidance.

Announcing details of the scheme, Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “Through the boiler scrappage scheme we will help people replace inefficient old boilers for new energy saving models and importantly, put money back in the pockets of householders.

“At the same time we are providing an economic stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs and helping it get through this financially difficult time.”

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme will be run through the Energy Saving Scotland advice network – the Scottish Government’s 'one stop shop' for energy efficiency, renewables and sustainable transport advice.

The advice network will issue vouchers as of 24 May 2010, available either by calling 0800 512 012 or through the Energy Saving Trust website. The scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis and will last until all the funds have been allocated. Households will be able to apply over the phone or online and, if eligible, will receive a £400 voucher towards the installation of a new boiler.

The vouchers can then be redeemed for cash from the Energy Saving Trust once the boiler has been installed.

New boilers should be energy efficient models, certified under the Energy Saving Recommended scheme.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme in Scotland supports the aims of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland, which will set out a suite of policies and programmes to help reduce energy consumption across all sectors.

To find a CIPHE registered professional near you simply enter your postcode in the search box on the CIPHE home page or call 01708 463100.