The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Environment has announced a new round of boiler subsidies for low-income households. The subsidy is aimed at replacing emission-non-compliant solid fuel boilers with biomass boilers or heat pumps. The ministry has made CZK 1.7 billion available for the boiler replacements, and it expects up to 15,000 old boilers in low-income households to be replaced through the program.

Marian Jurečka, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, said the government plans to use European funds to offer a 95% subsidy to low-income households to replace their boilers. This new wave of subsidies will be provided in advance to eligible households, and applicants can be seniors receiving an old-age pension, disabled people in the third degree of disability, or households receiving a housing allowance. The deadline for boiler replacements is set after January 1, 2021, and the ministry will only consider applications from households that meet the eligibility criteria.

Old coal and wood boilers that do not meet at least 3rd emission class criteria will be replaced by September 2024, and the ministry estimates that approximately 150,000 must be replaced to comply with regulations.

Replacing outdated boilers with newer, more efficient models such as insulation of the house, photovoltaics, or a heat pump can save households tens of thousands of CZK per year. Moreover, the new boiler subsidies will help households avoid fines for operating old boilers from September 2022.

The regions will provide administration of the applications, and applicants will be able to receive a deposit of at least 60% of the subsidy. Some regions have already informed the ministry that they will begin accepting applications during the summer.

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. Minister Petr Hladík stated that the government would like to contribute to replacing gas boilers with heat pumps as part of the new support initiative. The details of this program will be presented in May, and the ministry will offer the new contribution from September this year.

In conclusion, the Czech Republic’s new round of boiler subsidies for low-income households will enable them to replace their outdated, non-compliant solid fuel boilers with biomass boilers or heat pumps. The subsidies will help low-income households improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy bills, and avoid fines for operating old boilers. The government’s effort to support the replacement of gas boilers with heat pumps under the New Green Savings program is expected to further improve the energy efficiency of households in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum