Subsidies available for green electrical appliances

The energy ministry announced on Monday it has launched its subsidy scheme for the replacement by vulnerable groups of old home appliances with energy efficient ones.

The subsidies range from €300 to €600, depending on the appliance. A total of €5 million will be allocated.

The scheme covers the purchase of refrigerators/freezers, washing machines and air conditioners. Beneficiaries can replace up to five appliances: up to three air conditioners, a washing machine and a refrigerator.

It is expected that the scheme, which will remain in force until December next year, or until the available budget is exhausted, will cover around 5,000 applications “and will significantly help reduce the electricity bills of the households that benefit from it,” the energy ministry said. “It is estimated that replacing appliances with modern, high-energy efficiency ones contribute to energy savings that can exceed 50 per cent,” it added.

Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said this measure “also strengthens the protection of our vulnerable fellow citizens”.

“Replacing electrical appliances … are important tools for both reducing electricity costs in the long run and moving to a green economy,” the minister said.

Eligible to apply are beneficiaries of the guaranteed minimum income, people receiving state allowance from the social welfare services, those receiving a severe motor disability allowance, those receiving an allowance for paraplegic/quadriplegic/blind persons, and pensioners who receive low-income allowance provided they are over 70 and do not live with other persons under 70. Eligible are also large families receiving allowance for at least three dependent children, with annual gross income up to €51,258. For families with more than four children, the income criterion increases by €5,126, for each additional child.

Those interested must file a pre-approval application at resecfund.org.cy (after accessing the portal, information is given on the scheme in Greek and English). They then can purchase the appliances they wish but need to make sure that the invoice is on the name of the applicant. The model of the appliance must also be written on the invoice.

They can then electronically submit their application attaching the invoice and will receive the subsidy after their application is assessed.

More information about the subsidies and appliances’ necessary specifications can be found here (Greek only).