11 November 2011
MP Raises Plight of Constituents Who Are Set to Lose Out on Higher
Feed-In Tariff Rates
Ayr Carrick and Cumnock MP Sandra Osborne has today attacked the Government over its plans to slash the level of incentives available to constituents looking to install solar panels and it’s handling of the proposed cuts.
A Government Scheme (called the Feed-In Tariffs or FIT) means that people can receive cash for the electricity they generate using photovoltaic solar panels. The Government has just announced that it is proposing to cut the FIT by 50%.
The Government is looking to impose a deadline of 12 December 2012 for completion and registration of solar systems in order to receive the current high rate of Feed In Tariff. Consumers who are not able to have their solar installation fully completed and registered by this date will not be able to take advantage of the higher rate of Feed-In Tariff which they were expecting to receive when deciding to go ahead with the installation.
Sandra Osborne said:
‘This deadline is impractical and could leave many Ayr Carrick and Cumnock constituents out of pocket. It is extremely unfair to my constituents who have already signed contracts or paid thousands of pounds in deposits towards a system on the basis that they would receive the current FIT rate.
‘I heard from a constituent this week who has borrowed £12,000 to install solar panels on the basis of receiving the higher rate of Feed-In Tariffs. If she cannot have the installation completed and registered within the next few weeks, her Feed-In Tariff rate will be slashed.
‘I am calling on the Government to amend proposals so that consumers who have started the process of solar installation but cannot complete and register by 12 December will still receive the higher FIT.’
Sandra also pointed out that this deadline of 12 December could have a disastrous effect on local businesses:
‘This deadline will also create a huge surge in demand for materials that cannot be met as people rush to have the work completed within the next few weeks. We could also see local businesses going to the wall as the payback period for FITs will be too far away to entice people onto the scheme.’
Ends