In addition to launching a new programme for low carbon heat installations, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has also issued an update on the existing Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI).

Launched in November 2011, the scheme was introduced for both industrial and commercial customers and was intended to play a part in the government's approach to cutting carbon. It was also intended to increase the uptake of renewable heating systems.

Now, the DECC is set to review the tariffs under the scheme in order to further increase uptake, in addition to outlining the specific technologies that will be available under the initiative.

Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said: “The Renewable Heat Incentive, which has been available for non domestic investors for over a year, is a key part of our approach to cutting carbon and driving forward the move to more sustainable low carbon heating alternatives."

At present, Mr Barker has said that 1,000 groups have signed up to the scheme, but new details of the scheme are set to encourage further uptake.

For householders, the RHI is to introduce measures specifically for their benefit. A scheme for householders will be introduced in summer 2013, along with details of tariff levels. The scheme should be available to access in Spring 2014.

Ahead of this, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme has been extended until March 2014. This allows business to get money off biomass boilers, solar thermal panels and heat pumps. Those who want to access this funding, especially those off the gas grid, will now have past the original March deadline to do this.

Switching to energy-efficient technologies is particularly important, considering the closure of UK power stations and the increase in energy costs this is expected to cause. Solar panels are just one example of a carbon reducing measure which could significantly cut a building's running costs.