“This is no April Fool’s. The introduction of Feed in Tariffs (FITs) on the first of April is likely to be one of the highest impact events to hit land and property owners in the last ten years.” says Hugh Fell Managing Partner of George F. White.

Rural specialists George F. White are getting FIT in more ways than one. Outside Managing Partner Hugh Fell is leading the race to prepare for the April 1st launch of Feed in Tariffs (FITs) with a demonstration of pedal power. Inside their offices a whole new team, gfw-Renewals has been created to help landowners produce their own green energy.

“Is the introduction of FITS on the 1st April serious or is it just a bit of Government’s April Fooling?” Along with trying to shed the pounds himself, Hugh Fell says that the introduction of Feed in Tariffs is serious, and that land and property owners must ensure they are aware of the benefits.

“The whole concept from the Government is to kick start interest in renewables and I anticipate that from Wednesday 1st April when the scheme goes live it will stimulate enormous interest. So 2010 is the year of get FIT! Not only physically fit, but to take advantage of the incentive for renewable energy generation in the form of FITs.” Says Hugh

Since the government confirmed FITs for renewable energy last month, gfw-Renewables who operate across the North East and Yorkshire has been inundated with enquiries from people wanting to know more about the scheme and how they can benefit.

The FIT scheme pays for electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar or biomass with a bonus for any excess power exported to the grid. In addition, existing bills are reduced as less power is used from electricity suppliers.

For example, Feed in Tariff’s for small scale production ranging from 1.5 – 15kW will receive a tariff of 26.7p/kW if installed by March 2012. So for example a 6kw/hr rated turbine producing say 7,500 kW hrs per annum (dependant on wind speed) would receive just over £2,000 per annum for 20 years irrespective of whether the electricity is used or sold to the grid. (NB all the technologies have a different generation tariffs and outputs vary. This example is specific to small scale wind.)

Although many people will have read about FITs and wondered what’s in it for them, this is such a new sector that specialist knowledge is thin on the ground.

There are a range of renewable energy technologies from micro to large scale, each with their own benefits and pitfalls. Consequently through gfw-Renewables, rural specialists George F. White offer an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities.

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