<p>Applications for subsidies for insulation and savings will be accepted on an ongoing basis.</p>

Prague - In the next six years, the subsidy program of the Ministry of the Environment called New Green Savings will offer 27 billion crowns. Starting Thursday, it will be possible to apply for subsidies for insulation and savings in family houses continuously, Environment Minister Richard Brabec (ANO) told journalists today. For this year, 520 million crowns are available, while 2.85 billion crowns are planned for next year. The funds will be obtained from the sale of emission allowances. The maximum amount of support for a single project is estimated at five million crowns.
    A new feature of the New Green Savings program is a long-term, continuous call for applications, which will last until the end of the program, that is until 2021. "Our goal is for people to be able to conveniently and continuously draw subsidies from New Green Savings for renovations that will save them tens of thousands of crowns in the future," said Brabec. Up to one hundred thousand crowns can be obtained for small photovoltaic systems for preparing hot water and generating electricity for direct consumption.
    "This is great news for households that want to generate their own, clean electricity. However, the hope for cheaper, clean electricity and greater self-sufficiency could be completely thwarted by a package of regulations currently being prepared by Minister Jan Mládek (ČSSD) along with large energy companies and the Energy Regulatory Office. Instead of households, companies like ČEZ and other large energy firms would profit," said energy expert from Hnutí Duha, Martin Mikeska.
    In response to ČTK, Ministry of Industry spokesperson František Kotrba stated that Mikeska's comments are not true. "The proposed amendments to the electricity measurement regulation will effectively only bring clarifications to the details of the existing regulation. There are no adjustments in the energy law regarding measurement, and the implementing regulation does not change already established and practiced principles," added Kotrba.
    The current call is also intended for owners of family houses and new builds who want to obtain a subsidy for the replacement of windows, doors, house insulation, replacement of electric heating sources with heat pumps, or solar systems. There is also support for the construction of houses with very low energy requirements. As in previous calls, the amount of subsidy depends on the achieved energy savings and can ultimately cover up to half of the total expenses.
    Because support can now be requested for boiler replacements in so-called boiler subsidies, this option will be limited in the Green Savings program. Support for replacing electric sources with efficient heat pumps, installing thermal and also photovoltaic solar systems, and installing forced ventilation systems with heat recovery will remain. Both subsidies can also be combined. Residents of municipalities where, for example, a biomass incinerator operates can now receive a contribution if they connect to the central heating network.
    As with previous calls of New Green Savings, it is possible to apply for a subsidy before the implementation of the supported measures, during their course, or even after completion. Well-prepared applications will be reimbursed by the State Environmental Fund within nine weeks of their submission. For applications where applicants will start construction only after their approval, the office guarantees reimbursement within six weeks of verifying the implementation.
    The State Environmental Fund will accept applications starting Thursday at 10:00 AM. Applications can be submitted online by filling out an electronic form from the New Green Savings website. Applicants without internet access can receive assistance from staff at the regional offices of the fund for submitting the electronic application. Within five days, the applicant must then provide the required documents to the relevant regional office of the fund.