A Capital Idea

The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) Scheme is bringing many benefits to both the environment and businesses who change their way of heating to a system that uses less carbon.

In November 1999 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown announced support for businesses investing in low carbon technologies under the climate change levy package.

The ECA Scheme enables businesses to claim 100 per cent first year capital allowances on investments in energy saving technology and products listed on the Energy Technology List.

The Energy Technology List details all the products that are eligible for the scheme. The list has been updated for 2006 and sees warm air and radiant heaters continue to be included. Warm air and radiant heaters provide excellent heating capabilities and can be powered by LPG in non-mains gas areas.

Sabrina Jackson, Calor’s Commercial Market Manager said: “As more businesses look to change their whole attitude towards heating, installers will be called upon to put the changes in place including in some cases taking out whole heating systems such as oil and replacing them with LPG-powered systems.

”For small to medium businesses, the Carbon Trust is also offering interest-free energy efficiency loans. Sabrina said: “For companies looking to install new boilers, small and medium-sized enterprises in England or Wales may be eligible to borrow from £5,000 to £100,000 interest free to fund their projects.”