To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to using installers approved by the manufacturers of central heating boilers for installations under the Warm Front scheme. (255633)

Eaga selects installers based on a competitive tendering process, in line with European public procurement regulations. Installers are chosen according to a range of criteria, including price tendered, customer service, health and safety procedures and financial probity.

At present Warm Front does not limit procurement to installers specifically approved by manufacturers, as this would lead to a restricted installer base. This could potentially result in higher prices and could disadvantage small and medium-sized enterprises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much was (a) budgeted for and (b) paid out in grants to individual households for (i) renewable energy installations and (ii) energy efficiency measures in each year since 1997; and what the equivalent figures are for 2008-09 to date. (257666)

[holding answer 23 February 2009]: Under previous grant programmes which started in 2002 the following grants were paid to householders:

Major PV Demonstration Programme with a budget of £31 million committed £11.5 million to small scale projects including householders.

Out of a budget of £12.5 million the Clear Skies scheme paid the following household grants:

Currently under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme a £2,500 maximum grant amount can be claimed per household for up to three technologies and grant levels vary according to the technology installed. Out of a total budget of £36 million the Low Carbon Buildings Programme phase 1 has paid out the following amount in household grants: