Website of the UK government

What is microgeneration?

Microgeneration means when individuals, businesses and communities generate heat and power to meet their own needs. Microgeneration systems use renewable resources, like the wind, the sun and water, to create energy.

• Generating and using greener energy

The microgeneration grant scheme is closed

The nationwide microgeneration grant scheme is now closed.

However, some local authorities are still offering financial help to people wanting to install microgeneration technologies. To find out what is available in your area:

• contact your local council 
  
• contact the Energy Saving Trust’s energy advice helpline on 0800 512012

You can also earn cash-back for selling any renewable energy you produce to energy suppliers, under the Feed-in Tariffs scheme.

Lastly, making your home more energy-efficient and using simple energy-saving measures in your home can save you hundreds of pounds a year.

• A to Z of local councils

Feed-in Tariffs

If you generate electricity through microgeneration, you can sell it to energy companies using Feed-in Tariffs (FITs).

Under the FITs scheme, energy suppliers pay householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources.

The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity you generate, as well as a separate payment for the electricity you export to the national grid. This is in addition to the bill savings you make by using the electricity you generate.

For more information on FITs, see the information on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.

• Feed-in Tariff scheme: Energy Saving Trust Opens new window

Grants for energy-saving home improvements

You may be able to get help to pay for heating and insulation improvements in your privately owned or rented home. These grants and offers come from government, your local council or your energy supplier. For more details, and to see if you are eligible, see 'Energy Efficiency grants'.

• Energy Efficiency grants (money, tax and benefits section)

Saving money on energy

Energy used in homes is responsible for over a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions. Making your home energy efficient and reducing the energy you use will cut carbon emissions and could also save you money.

Insulation and heating

The vast majority of energy used in homes is for heating. You can make a huge difference to your carbon footprint and your fuel bills by taking a few simple steps, like installing good insulation.

Find out more on the ‘Insulation and heating’ page. This page also tells you about financial help available if you’re making energy saving improvements to your home.

• Insulation and heating

Top tips on saving energy

There are lots of things you can do to cut down on your energy use. Most are quick and easy – like turning appliances off standby, washing clothes at 30 degrees and turning your central heating down a little.

Find out more on the ‘Top tips on saving energy’ page.

• Top tips on saving energy

More useful links

• Energy Saving Trust - generating your own electricity Opens new window

• Microgeneration policy Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Environment and Greener Living contacts