The launch of a new strategy to encourage micro-generation by households and other small-scale electricity users will include £5 million of loan funding for householders to install micro-generation equipment has been welcomed by the SNP today.

The funds will enable households to borrow up to ten thousand pounds to fund renewable heat technology such as biomass boilers or heat pumps in their own homes.

The wider strategy launched today will encourage homes, businesses and schools to install micro-generation technologies to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

Commenting on the launch of the strategy in Inverness, SNP MSP Angus MacDonald, who sits on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said:

“Micro-generation can drastically reduce bills and secure important reductions in carbon emissions. It is important that the Scottish Government does what it can to reduce the barriers to households using these technologies, so I am delighted at this latest action announced today.

“Making substantial loan funding available to households will help them meet the initial upfront costs of installing equipment. The savings they make will then enable them to pay back these loan funds so that the money can in time be reused to help other households.

“The publication of an overall strategy will also help to ensure that we continue to move in the right direction on this issue.

“The Scottish Government has already reduced the planning obstacles facing micro-generation and is now empowering households to install the equipment.

“These funds will help Scotland meet its ambitious target of having at least 100,000 homes with some form of renewable heating system in place by 2020.”