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For a pdf outlining Plan B, click here.

Gordon Cowtan of FDT began by outlining the main differences between the original Plan A (Pilot Study) and the new Plan B.

The main point to note is that the project is no longer limited to 20 households. Over 80 have expressed an interest in finding out more about the project and under Plan B all can be considered -there is no limit on numbers.

In the original plan, the project was relying on a 60% grant from CES (Community Energy Scotland). CES has been ambivalent in their response so far and FDT sensed a considerable delay in continuing on this route.

Now in Plan B, we are hoping to utilise the 30% grants available from EST (Energy Savings Trust) along with their interest free loan, significant discounts negotiated by FDT and suppliers of kit, then added to low energy supply tariffs being considered for electricity, and wood pellets of 20% less.

Combining these factors brings the benefit of going with the FDT plan B.

Gordon gave some examples showing the estimated savings on heating costs which remain substantial and in some scenarios, very considerable.

The other detail is that the heating systems will all now be owned by the householders and not leased from FDT as the original plan required.

On the down side - the new plan is unable to accommodate Farm Scale turbines and anything for new builds. FDT are continuing to look for ways in which to assist these categories.

The Government have recently given indicative figures for RHIs (Renewable Heat Incentives) and have finalised the figures for FITs (Feed In Tariffs).

RHIs should be available from April 2011 and will assist the energy costs of those with renewable heating systems installed. FITs will be available from April 2010 and are applied to those generating energy through hydro, PV (Photovoltaic) solar panels and other electricity producing kit.

The figures for RHI are only consultation at the moment and could vary up or down but appear to be much more generous than originally hoped. Figures for each home will be based on its SAP rating (Standard Assessment Procedure) and not actually energy usage.

Gordon then passed the floor to Kevin McLelland of ESSAC (Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre)

Kevin outlined the process of the EST grant award of 30% and the interest free loan.

The grant of 30% is available for up to two technologies per household to a maximum award of £4000 per technology.

The interest free loan is available over a period of eight years and is subject to credit check.

The next step forward is to hand over contact details already given (a vote was taken to agree this) to ESSAC.

They will then contact and arrange a survey with each interested household which will identify the best system for each home and what other assistance is available.

A code will be given to apply for the 30% grant and further information on applying for the loan for the balance.

FDT will be finalising kit costs for Fintry residents.

Questions were then taken from the hall.

Residents were concerned with mess and upheaval created by certain installations.

Others needed to be reassured that assistance and advice would be readily available throughout the process. This was given by reminding the residents that an Energy Officer will be employed to co-ordinate the project and advise as needed. Installers will train local tradesmen to carry out the installations of the project and they will provide a local support and knowledge base for any issues.

There were further technical questions and answers regarding specific types of kit.

FDT suggested that blogging of experiences would assist in ensuring suppliers and installers maintained a high level of customer satisfaction, and would help compile a knowledge base in itself for other residents of Fintry and other communities.

Further 'expression of interest forms' will be made available at the Sports Centre for those who have missed this first stage along with the FDT post box to collect them.

Further public meetings will be arranged by FDT as the project unfolds to offer advice and support.

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