The Ministry of Energy has made clarifications regarding the completion of applications for grants for the replacement of energy-consuming electrical appliances, because, as it points out in the almost 3.000 applications received, it was observed that often pre-authorisation requests are submitted incorrectly which inevitably leads to the rejection of pre-authorisation requests.
In particular, the Ministry of Energy reminds that regardless of who completes the required information in the application, it must be submitted in the name of the vulnerable electricity consumer himself, i.e. the person in whose name one of the benefits listed below is paid.
It is also stated that, since it is often observed that applications are submitted by non-beneficiaries, it is recalled that there is no complete identification of the beneficiaries of the 08 special tariff of the AEC with the beneficiaries of the Subsidy Scheme, who are:
(a) Beneficiaries of Minimum Guaranteed Income.
(b) Recipients of public assistance from the Social Welfare Services.
(c) Recipients of Severe Mobility Disability Allowance,
(d) Recipients of Low Income Pensioner's Allowance,
(d) Recipients of Low Income Pensioner's Allowance, provided they are at least seventy (70) years of age and are not cohabiting with another person who is not at least seventy (70) years of age.
(e) Recipients of a care allowance for paraplegic persons.
(f) Recipients of a care allowance for quadriplegic persons.
(g) Recipients of the blindness allowance.
(h) A large family or a family of five receiving child benefit for three or more dependent children and with an annual gross family income of up to €51,258. The income criterion of €51,258 is increased incrementally by €5,126 for each additional child in excess of four.
The Ministry of Energy further states that applications can only be submitted electronically through the RES and EE Fund application system (https:/resecfund.org.cy).
To participate in the project, beneficiaries must create an account, with the details of a vulnerable electricity consumer beneficiary, in the online system of the RES and EE Fund (https:/resecfund.org.cy) and an identity card is required. For the convenience of applicants, the account creation guide is also posted.
Also, when submitting the pre-approval request, a recent electricity bill of the house in which the applicant resides is required to be attached. It is clarified that the bill need not be in the applicant's name.
If the applicant is a recipient of Low Income Pensioners' Allowance who has reached the age of 70, he/she must additionally attach a certificate from the local authority concerned (the Head of Community) that he/she is not living with another person who has not reached the age of 70.
For the convenience of applicants, there is a link on the Plan page to the "Guide for submitting a pre-approval request" in which the procedure is explained step-by-step and with the use of illustrations.
Further assistance is provided in the FAQs section on the website.
Evaluation and granting of Pre-Authorisation and response to beneficiaries.
The Ministry of Energy further clarifies that when purchasing and installing appliances, a standard certificate from the point of sale, a purchase invoice in the name of the vulnerable consumer and the energy label of the electrical appliance should be secured, followed by an online application for grant payment accompanied by the supporting documents listed above.
It further notes that the old appliances to be replaced should be handed over to the supplier for recycling purposes and a certificate should be obtained.
It recalls that beneficiaries can replace up to five appliances, namely up to three air conditioners, one washing machine and one refrigerator and states that the scheme is expected to significantly help reduce the electricity bill of the beneficiary households, as it is estimated that the replacement of appliances with modern, high energy class appliances contributes to energy savings that can exceed 50%.
The scheme was announced by the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the RES and EE Fund on 13 December and falls under the Government's series of compensatory measures to curb the increase in electricity prices.
It is aimed at vulnerable households wishing to replace electrical appliances provided for in the scheme with new, highly energy-efficient ones by giving grants ranging from €300 to €600, depending on the appliance.
In total, €5 million will be granted to around 5,000 beneficiaries. Eligible appliances include refrigerators/freezers, washing machines and air conditioners.
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