As part of Government’s plans to improve the energy efficiency of UK housing stock the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will re-open the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) social landlords competition. During the first funding round, which was open from 28 May 2012 to 4 July 2012, 72 projects were allocated money.

As well as opening the competition to new applicants, the Energy Savings Trust will also approach previous winners to see if they want to bid for additional funding to install more renewable heating systems in their housing stock.

Speaking about this move, Energy and Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker said: “We have already awarded nearly £5 million to 72 projects under this year’s scheme, helping householders stay warm this winter and move away from expensive old heating systems to new clean renewable ones. 

“But the high value for money of the bids we have received to date means that there is still money up for grabs and I would urge social landlords across the nation to apply and take advantage of all this scheme has to offer.”

Up to £2.5 million of additional funding will be allocated under this element of the competition meaning registered providers for social housing, such as local authorities and social housing associations, will now be in a position to bid for funds up to around £156,000 each..

DECC is also making several improvements to the scheme including lengthening the application window to nine weeks and moving the administrative requirement on submission of energy bills to the project delivery stage.

Phillip Sellwood, CEO at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “Energy Saving Trust has a long established track record in the renewables industry, which will enable us to provide valuable support to all applicants, offering guidance and clarification where possible both pre and post award.

“All information to support completion of applications for the scheme is available on the Energy Saving Trust website along with information about successful phase one applicants.”

Bids will be evaluated by EST on criteria such as value for money, type of fuel being replaced, energy efficiency measures to be installed and track record on delivering similar projects. Final decisions will be made by a DECC panel of experts.

The closing date for applications is October 9, 2012; successful bidders will be announced shortly afterwards.