The Ministry of the Environment launched another round of boiler subsidies for low-income households on Wednesday. There is 1.7 billion CZK available for boiler replacements, and in some regions, it will be possible to apply for the contribution as early as this summer. According to the ministry, up to 15,000 old boilers in low-income households could be replaced.
“We want to use European funds for low-income households, which can receive a 95% subsidy for replacing emission-non-compliant solid fuel boilers. Specifically, it concerns the replacement of a heat pump or a biomass boiler, and households can also apply for support if they have already replaced their outdated equipment,” said the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL).
The decisive deadline is the boiler replacement after January 1, 2021. “Applications can be submitted by seniors receiving an old-age pension, disabled people in the third degree of disability, or households receiving a housing allowance. In addition, it will be provided in advance, so households will only need a small number of their funds saved,” added Jurečka about this wave of boiler subsidies.
Old coal and wood boilers that do not meet at least 3rd emission class criteria should be replaced by September 2024. According to the Ministry of the Environment, approximately 150,000 must be replaced.
Insulation of the house, photovoltaics, or a heat pump will save tens of thousands of CZK per year
“This will ensure more efficient heating for households and at the same time avoid the fine imposed on them for operating old boilers from September next year,” reminded Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL).
The regions will provide application administration, and applicants will be able to receive a deposit of at least 60% of the subsidy.
“Some regions have already informed us that they do not want to delay the receipt of applications and will begin accepting them during the summer,” said Petr Valdman, Director of the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic.
Households that do not meet the conditions for obtaining boiler subsidies can apply for a contribution to replace old boilers through the New Green Savings program, according to Hladík. “In addition to old solid fuel boilers, we would like to contribute to replacing gas boilers with heat pumps. We will present the details of this completely new support in May,” added Hladík. He stated that the ministry would offer this contribution from September this year.