Fewer households to qualify for “New Green Savings” subsidies

Fewer people will qualify for subsidies under the popular “New Green Savings” programme, the Czech News Agency reported. Direct contributions for home insulation or solar panel installations will now be available only to low-income households. Others will be able to use interest-free loans instead. Environment Minister Igor Červený (Motoristé sobě) announced the changes at a press conference on Monday.

Currently, applicants can receive subsidies covering up to 50 percent of ecological renovations. Under the new system, households will instead take out bank loans and the state will cover the interest.

The revised programme will launch at the turn of April and May. Owners of family houses used for permanent residence, housing cooperatives and homeowners’ associations will be able to apply.

Loans will be available for both complete renovations and partial reconstruction projects.