Funds have been made available by the Scottish Government for over 6,000 households in Scotland to receive £400 towards the cost of a new boiler.

Households with poor performing boilers which convert less than 70 per cent of fuel into heat, will qualify for cashback on a new energy saving model.

Upgrading to a greener boiler will help reduce heating costs by about a quarter and save around £190 a year on fuel bills.

Households can apply over the phone 0800 512 012 or online through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government's one stop shop for home energy help.

It is the third time the Scottish Government has opened the scheme in the last year, with up to 14,000 households expected to benefit from a total scrappage fund of £6 million.

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Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said: "This scheme will help households, right across Scotland, cut the cost of heating by replacing run down boilers with more efficient models.

"This is part of a major effort by the Scottish Government to help people live in greener homes which cost less to run.

"At the same time we are providing an economic stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs and promoting growth in our economy."

The scheme will open at 9am on Tuesday 28 June, 2011. It will operate on a first come, first served basis and will last until all the funds have been allocated. Households will be able to apply over the phone or online and, if eligible, will receive a £400 voucher towards the installation of a new boiler. This can then be redeemed for cash once the boiler has been installed. New boilers should be energy efficient models certified under the Energy Saving Recommended scheme.

Home Energy Scotland will issue vouchers for the boiler scrappage scheme. It is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home.

(GK/KMcA)