§ Mr. Haywardasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of the grants which his Department offers non-domestic energy users towards obtaining expert advice upon energy efficiency.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithHitherto grants have been available under the energy survey scheme, but that scheme will end on 31 December 1983. Grant applications for one-day surveys carried out before that date must be submitted by 29 February 1984. From 1 January 1984, the new energy efficiency survey scheme will offer support for three types of expert survey:
- (a) Short surveys. The energy efficiency office will refund half the consultant's charges, up to a maximum grant of £250, for a satisfactory report on how the applicant can improve energy efficiency on his site.
- (b) Extended surveys. Provided the energy efficiency office has agreed the survey proposals in advance, grants of up to £10,000 will be given for half the consultant's charges for a satisfactory report.
- (c) Combined heat and power surveys: grants will be available under terms similar to those for extended surveys.
An important new feature of the energy efficiency survey scheme is that support will be available for surveys of just part of a site, or of a particular aspect of energy use. Another change from the previous scheme is that applicants will be able to select whichever independent consultant they feel can best meet their requirements.