FiTs… and start…
Posted by ericww on February 5, 2010
Feed in Tariffs (aka FiTs) will be available in the UK from April – but does anyone really understand what they are? Or that they are set to fundamentally alter the way people think about energy in the UK?
Under plans announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, FiTs open the door to householders who choose to generate their own energy (by installing solar panels or wind turbines for example) to ’sell’ surplus energy via their energy supplier back to the National Grid.
The scheme does have its critics, but it is the first of many steps the Government will be taking to help meet its targets for lowering carbon emissions. For householders, it offers the chance to radically change their relationship with energy suppliers. Rather than being solely importers of energy into their homes, they will become exporters – which can offset energy costs and any investment made on green energy devices in the home.
So, Home Zero Home was interested to see how much people on the street know about FiTs – if anything. GreenUnlimted spent the day talking to punters in London, at Oxford Circus and in the City. The results, admittedly straw poll-like in their methodology, make for interesting reading…
The following questions were put to 233 homeowners:
1. Are you a home owner? (the assumption being that people who own their own properties would be more likely to undergo the improvements needed to qualify for the scheme)
2. Have you heard of the government’s new Feed in Tariffs?
3. Would you be interested in partaking in the Feed in Tariffs?
4. Do you think your property is suitable for installing renewable energy?
5. Do you know when the Feed in Tariff initiative launches?
Less than 1% (2 people) had heard of the FiT’s. After a brief explanation of what they were just over 24% (57 people) were interested in partaking in the scheme but only 5% (12 people) thought that their property would be suitable. No one knew when the scheme launched.
GreenUnlimited believes that there is a need to overcome the inertia of public ignorance about the existence, benefits and suitability of FiT’s for domestic energy generation. Extending early adoption beyond the enclave of those already converted and expectant of the scheme gives FiT’s a stronger foundation from which to grow.
We’ve sent the findings to DECC with some ideas about communicating FiTs. If you have any views about FiTs, they’ll be gratefully received.
