We have been successful in reaching Phase 2 of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment Communities Scheme with our Sustainable Crediton Warm Homes Project. Charles Mossman will be attending a workshop organised by the DECC on the 2nd October to learn what procedures we must follow for Phase 2. There were only 45 community groups successful at Phase 1 and any successful bids at Phase 2 will get a share of £8 Million. We would like to hear from any home owner who does not have mains gas and who is considering installing solar hot water panels or a heat pump in the next 6 months.We may be able to give you a good deal if we are successful.

We are planning a wood fuel from hedgerows event on the 24th November. This will be a demonstration event with experts from Devon Rural Skills Trust. We hope to be able to form a community wood fuel group following this event if we have enough interest. We do have a landowner and a hedge to manage, all we need is some enthusiastic group members. Contact Charles through the website for more information.

We are working on a statement regarding our thinking on wind turbines following all the bad press recently. We hope to publish this statement shortly. See the latest wind turbine myth debunked.

Finally details of the proposed domestic renewable heat incentive are now available through a new Government consultation. Key proposals include

• Indicative tariff ranges for air source heat pumps (6.9-11.5p/kWh), biomass boilers (5.2-8.7p/kWh), ground source heat pumps (12.5-17.3p/kWh) and solar thermal technologies (17.3p/kWh) that are MCS certified and meet relevant required standards
• Payments for householders over seven years for each kWh of heat produced for the expected lifetime of the renewable technology and based on deemed heat usage
• Tariff levels set to provide a better return for householders living off the gas grid
• Budget management system similar to one introduced for the Feed-in Tariffs scheme
• Minimum energy efficiency requirements based on Green Deal assessments

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:

"We need to revolutionise the way we heat our homes and businesses and move away from expensive fossil fuels, not only to cut carbon but to help meet our renewables targets and save money on bills.

"Our proposals aim to encourage even more uptake of clean green heating in industry and in our businesses. We have also set out our views on long term support for those who invest in low carbon kit in their homes and we look forward to hearing your thoughts."

The closing date for this consultation is 7 December 2012.