The ministry has extended the deadline for applications for the New Green Savings program

Prague - The Ministry of the Environment (MŽP) has extended the acceptance of applications for subsidies from the New Green Savings program by two months until the end of the year. This was reported today by the spokesperson of the ministry, Petra Roubíčková. Originally, interested parties could submit applications until October 31.
    "The demand for energy assessments significantly exceeds the current capacity of processors. The construction season is not over yet, and we want to accommodate as many applicants for subsidies for energy-efficient housing as possible," said Minister of the Environment Richard Brabec (ANO).
    The Ministry reportedly decided to extend the acceptance of applications after discussions with experts. However, the decision was likely influenced by the fact that interest in the subsidies is lagging behind expectations. As of October 20, the State Environmental Fund received 2,762 subsidy applications amounting to a total of 534 million crowns. For this year, 1.9 billion crowns had been prepared.
    The MŽP will transfer the unspent funds to next year. At the same time, it intends to expand the New Green Savings program to apartment buildings, which it is reportedly negotiating with the Ministry for Regional Development (MMR).
    However, the MMR had previously stated that expanding the program to apartment buildings would not be possible because there is another subsidy program for their reconstruction in the Czech Republic. The only exception is the capital city, which will not be subject to the new Integrated Regional Operational Program from which these reconstructions will be funded. "The MMR expects that EU funds that can support investments related to the insulation of apartment buildings will be utilized throughout the Czech Republic, with the exception of the capital city of Prague. Conversely, the funds from the New Green Savings program should be used in its territory. Therefore, there should be no overlapping areas of regional applicability (which the EU prohibits)," said Veronika Vároši from the MMR communication department. MMR will try to connect the New Green Savings program and the Panel 2013+ program in marketing.
    Builders welcomed the extension of the program. "The Union of Entrepreneurs in Construction in the Czech Republic has always suggested extending the program during working meetings as one of the options for reducing energy consumption in residential construction in the Czech Republic," said the union's general director Miloslav Mašek.
    The Alliance Chance for Buildings pointed out that interest in the program rose after recent simplifications of the conditions, and specialists were unable to process the documentation needed for accepting applications. Up to 35% of new interested parties in project processing reportedly had to be turned away. "The extension of the call is a step in the right direction. There is indeed interest in the program. For the construction market, the best is a stable program with clear conditions in advance. It is also important that the SFŽP has simplified the administration and processes applications much faster than last year," said the director of the alliance, Petr Holub.
    The New Green Savings program focuses on the insulation of family houses, replacement of windows and doors, construction of so-called passive houses, replacement of old boilers with new efficient ones for biomass or gas, heat pumps, and the installation of solar panels. People can apply for subsidies for measures that were initiated after January 1, 2013.