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Feed-in Tariffs 'a gift to the rich'
11/10/10
Edited by Andy Jowett.The government's commitment to schemes like Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) and the Renewable Heat Incentive is welcome, but they remain a "gift to the rich at the expense of the poor", it has been claimed.
John Barwise, chairman of the Cumbria Green Business Forum, said the programmes should help to reduce energy demand from households and businesses while also cutting carbon emissions.
However, he added, it should not be forgotten that FITs only benefit those able to meet the upfront cost of installing qualifying technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines, despite the subsidies being paid for by all taxpayers.
"It's a gift to the rich at the expense of the poor - who will have to cope with increased energy prices at a time when other living costs are also set to rise," Mr. Barwise argued.
His comments come after Renewable Energy Association technical director Stuart Pocock said the FIT initiative has enjoyed "a good start" since it was introduced in April.
According to the latest figures from Ofgem, 2,257 solar panels eligible for the scheme were installed in August, up from 1,700 in July and 1,400 in June.
