Microgeneration installers are overcharging, says CLA

The CLA today (12 July) said many of its members are interested in microgeneration but find that red tape and regulation around the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) make it unaffordable.

The Association welcomed a new Government consultation on the Microgeneration Strategy which includes all renewable and low carbon generation up to an output of 50 kilowatts, but said much could be done to make it less expensive.

CLA President William Worsley said: The requirement that only a registered microgeneration scheme installer, using equipment pre-registered under the UK microgeneration scheme, can qualify for payments is raising prices and putting up barriers. Moreover, there are some technologies such as micro-hydro – where no suppliers yet exist.

We hope the Government will put power in the hands of the people, rather than excess profits in the hands of the installers.

Mr Worsley added: There is no good reason why apparatus certified under stringent EU regulations should not automatically qualify for the FIT, and the Renewable Heat Incentive when it is available.

Installing apparatus yourself should be allowed, subject to a certificate of completion from a suitably qualified electrician or central heating engineer.

1. The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) supports renewable electricity generation up to 5MW output, subject to smaller installations being installed under the microgeneration certification scheme.
2. The Renewable Heat Incentive proposals also include a requirement for microgeneration certification scheme compliance.
3. For further information on the Government’s Microgeneration Strategy, please visit: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/microgen_strat/microgen_strat.aspx
4. The CLA Game Fair, the world’s largest countryside event, will be held at Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, on Friday, 23 July – Sunday, 25 July 2010.
5. The CLA has published a Manifesto on releasing the full potential of the rural economy. For further information please visit: http://www.cla.org.uk/Policy_Work/CLA_Manifesto/
6. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has more than 35,000 members.
7. As a membership organisation, the CLA supports landowners by advising them on how best to protect and maximise their asset: the land. We are dedicated to supporting landowners and their businesses. Our success is measured by how effectively we do that. We have a team of experts in London and a regional structure able to give local support.
8. We have been looking after the interests of our members, as well as promoting the positive aspects of land ownership, land management and rural business activities for the past 100 years. CLA members own or manage approximately half the rural land in England and Wales, and the resulting expertise puts us in a unique position to formulate policies and lobby effectively.
9. For more information about the CLA, visit: www.cla.org.uk