How Italy's generous green homes scheme got out of control

Ha ha, nice one, Grilledham. No flies on you, as me granny used to say.

Not well thought out is an understatement, but the article did not include an estimate of the benefits, which will reduce the cost of the scheme considerably (although not make it free). First is the economic stimulus of the construction sector income. The people hired will pay taxes and buy goods. The construction companies purchased materials and services, and will pay taxes on their profits. There will also be a long-term reduction in annual energy payments for years to come, which is cash that mostly leaves the country and the EU. Finally, much of the energy purchased to heat those homes came from Russia. Europe needs to reduce dependence on Russian gas if it is to discourage Russian aggression through sanctions. It is hard to put a price tag on that.