Commencement of the application for the improvement of energy efficiency and electricity generation of private houses

Minister of Economics Janis Vitenbergs:

“In view of the increasing interest of both private owners on alternative energy resources for self-consumption and the volatility of current energy prices, as well as the critical need for us to think about Latvia's energy security and the rational use of energy, the programme launched last year has been awarded additional funding of more than three million euros to support private houses for energy efficiency improvement, including the installation of solar panels and small wind generators. It is important that these energy efficiency projects be implemented as much as possible in this construction season, so we have also facilitated the construction procedure for the implementation of such projects. Support to private owners for both the implementation of energy efficiency improvement measures and the installation of solar panels and wind generators will continue to be available under the new EU Structural Funds programme at least eur 40 million. '

Chairman of THE ALTUM Board Reinis Berzins:

"Last year, the support programme for energy efficiency in private homes earned great interest. There are two more resources available in the new programme, namely eur 3.27 million, which could suffice for around 500 to 600 homes. Over the last year, the quality projects implemented in the pilot programme reached thermal energy savings ranging from 26% to 70%, while the energy efficiency class of the building was increased by one or even two classes. We are prepared to continue with our competence and knowledge to continue the implementation of energy efficiency programmes."

Ieva Verzemniece of the Department of Energy Efficiency Programmes OF ALTUM:

“This year's news - a private energy efficiency support programme will be able to apply for residents from all Latvia and owners who have already undertaken energy efficiency measures of buildings will also be able to receive support for the transition to renewable energy resources. The program is also invited to apply for those who have previously received AN ALTUM guarantee for the purchase of a private home. In order to apply for participation in the programme, the bank loan is not mandatory this year – State aid measures can also be implemented on its own resources. If the aid measures are planned to be implemented through a bank loan, you must first contact your commercial bank for advice on how to receive the loan. On the first day of the programme, we see a very large interest in the population. We will examine the applications and call on citizens not to delay the submission of documents. '

ALTUM Support Beneficiary Janis Gobis:

“As part of the energy efficiency programme of buildings, we have a recovery system in the residential house, and we can now ensure a steady air exchange in the house without opening up windows and without losing heat. As the system also outflows dust, air quality has improved significantly in the building. On the other hand, the solar panels installed, which started in January of that year, produce electricity by daylight and even snowy weather, of course, in small quantities. Now - in sunny spring days - the amount of energy produced is so large that it is sufficient for the entire household. At the end of the month, i see the amount of energy produced, consumed in the household and in the system, which i can use in the autumn and winter months. It is planned that the installed recovery system and solar panels will pay for approximately 4,5 years. '

Available forms of support

In order to qualify for aid TO ALTUM's private energy efficiency programme, the house must satisfy the following criteria: the house corresponds to the class of one or two dwellings, it must be put into service, the house is not carried out, and the applicant must be the owner of the building and his dependant and have at least one child declared with him. Such criteria are laid down in the Cabinet regulations governing the operation of this support programme.

A grant of EUR 5000 and technical assistance of EUR 1000 will be eligible for citizens who have increased the energy efficiency class of the residential house at least to level C after the implementation of energy efficiency measures and reduced heating energy consumption for heating at least for 20%.

For gravel power plants — solar panels or wind generators — it will be possible to receive if it is planned to purchase and install power-generating installations with a capacity of up to 11,1 kW (including) with and without connection to the total electricity supply network. The amount of the aid will depend on the installed capacity of the installation.

ALTUM will also provide a guarantee to a bank loan up to 30 % of the loan amount if the resident needs additional collateral for the loan of a credit institution, but not exceeding eur 20 000. The duration of such a guarantee shall be ten years and may be eligible by any natural person who owns a private home. The guarantee will be available after the conclusion of the cooperation agreements with the banks.
More information about the app and login to it here.

By www.altum.lv