What is the RE-Charge scheme?

RE-Charge is an exciting new scheme funded by Kirklees Council to help home owners reduce their carbon footprint. RE-Charge offers interest free loans to home owners to install renewable energy and low carbon technologies on their property. This scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and there are limited funds available.

Renewable and low carbon technologies are powered by abundant, free sources of clean energy such as wind, the sun and even plant and animal matter. Generating energy from renewable sources can help reduce our dependence on resources like fossil fuels, producing much less carbon dioxide – a major climate change gas.  It may be possible to generate a significant proportion of your home’s heat or electricity requirements from renewable and low carbon technologies and, with rising fossil fuel prices, significantly reduce your fuel bills.

How does the scheme work?

If your application is successful and your property is suitable for the technology you wish to install, RE–Charge will loan you up to £10,000, interest free. Any costs above £10,000 would be paid in advance by the householder.

A ‘Legal Charge’ (another name for a ‘mortgage’) will be taken as security over your property, the sum of the loan will become repayable upon change of ownership of your property.  Costs will vary depending upon the type and size of property and the type and size of technology installed. After a technical survey is carried out you will be provided with a quote including a full breakdown of the costs. 

What technologies are available under this scheme?

The technologies available under the RE-Charge scheme are:

• Biomass heating systems
• Hydroelectricity
• Micro CHP (As this technology is in its infancy it is anticipated it will be available in years 2 and 3)
• Solar water heating
• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

Wind energy will not be funded under RE-Charge.

Which technology is suitable for me?

Energy efficiency is the most cost effective way of reducing your fuel bills and carbon emissions. You should ensure that your home is as energy efficient as possible before considering renewable or low carbon technologies. 

A condition of the RE-Charge loan is that, if suitable, your loft and wall cavities should be insulated prior to the installation of the renewable or low carbon technology.  This work can be carried out free of charge under the Kirklees Warm Zone scheme.

As part of the RE-Charge process a technical advisor will visit your property and be able to advise you on which technology will be the most suitable for your needs and property. An energy efficiency assessment will also be carried out at this stage and if necessary you will be referred to Kirklees Warm Zone.

Who should I contact about this scheme?

The RE-Charge scheme is a Kirklees Council project, and Yorkshire Energy Services, the local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, are managing the scheme on behalf of the council. Yorkshire Energy Services are the point of contact for customers and they can provide you with support and advice about the scheme.  Please contact the RE-Charge helpline on 0800 052 7496 or email: enquiries@energy-help.org.uk.

RE-Charge case study (PDF: 220KB)