Programme Clean Air He has enjoyed large interest among Poles for years. It provides backing for the exchange of old furnaces and thermomodernisation of buildings. But now is the time for checks – officials check whether the beneficiaries have actually utilized the funds as intended. Irregularities may consequence in reimbursement of grants or even financial penalties.
What can the controllers number on?
Ministry of Climate and Environment announced intensive checks on beneficiaries of Clean Air. Inspectors shall verify that the investments have been made in accordance with the contract and comply with certain standards.
Above all, they are:
- Type and quality of installed heating equipment – fresh boilers and heat pumps must meet performance and emanation standards.
- Thermomodernisation of the building – if individual has received backing to heat the home or replace the window joinery, they must show that the investment has actually been realised.
- Financing sources – Officials check that beneficiaries have not benefited from double funding, e.g. at the same time from Clean Air and local subsidies.
What is the threat of irregularities?
Any non-compliance with the programme rules may consequence in the request to reimburse the grant with interest. In utmost cases, officials can mention the case to the prosecutor's office, especially if it has occurred deliberate misleading.
The most common irregularities detected during the inspection
According to the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, the most common cases of fraud or mistake are:
- Partial investment implementation – e.g. replacing the boiler without connecting to the installation.
- Buying cheaper, uncertified devices and higher value on invoices.
- Get backing for a device that was already installed in the building.
- Counterfeiting documentation, e.g. acquisition invoices or contracts with contractors.
How to prepare for control?
If you have benefited from a grant and are afraid of visiting inspectors, it is worth making certain that all papers are in order. The basis is to store invoices, contracts with contractors and confirmations of transfers. In the case of checks, officials may besides want to see installations on site, so it is worth taking care of their compliance with the declaration.
New guidelines for beneficiaries
Since 2024 introduced tightened rules on spending of Clean Air. Anyone applying for backing must submit detailed photographic documentation before and after modernizationto facilitate the verification of the implementation of investments.
In addition, any municipalities began to lead local home audits, independent of national controls. Officials may visit beneficiaries even a fewer years after completion of the investment, checking the method position of the installation and compliance with the declarations.
Is it worth utilizing Clean Air?
Despite increased controls, Clean Air is inactive 1 of the best forms of support for single-family owners. The grant may amount to up to PLN 136,200 in the case of a comprehensive thermomodernisation with a heat exchange. However, it is worth remembering that all grant involves obligations – and failure to respect them can have serious consequences.
More here:
Did you take the "Clean Air" supplement? Home checks have begun – this is what officials are checking