The Energy Savings Trust has opened its latest Energy Redress grants up for applications to charities & groups fighting fuel poverty. Across four funding pots, £20 million is available, and ventures have until Tuesday 20 February to apply.
The EST will consider granting cash to projects across England, Scotland and Wales, if they support households most at risk from cold and high energy bills, or advance innovative services around home energy use, or address carbon emissions reduction.
Community interest companies, co-operative societies and community benefit societies are among potentially eligible recipients.
Graham Ayling, senior project manager at the EST, said: “With energy prices remaining high, we encourage community and charity groups that work with struggling or vulnerable people to apply for funding through the Main or Small Project Fund.
“We’ve seen the positive work that such local groups do in helping those most in need, with projects ranging from energy advice supporting vulnerable people, to research aimed at making sure the needs of elderly and disabled people are met by new energy technologies.
Ayling went on: “This funding will also aid projects which address the climate emergency, helping to deliver net zero in ways that leave no one behind and help everyone to share in the benefits”.
The Energy Redress Scheme is sourced from Ofgem’s fines levied on energy retailers who breach their supply licences. Since 2018, it has awarded over £100 million, benefitting more than 530 projects across England, Scotland & Wales.
Cathryn Scott, Ofgem’s director for enforcement and emerging issues, backed the latest EST offer. She added:
“Protecting customers is at the heart of Ofgem’s mission, so when we make energy companies pay for falling short of the standards we set, it’s only right that customers should be the ones who benefit.
“Since the Redress Fund was established, more than £100 million has gone to projects helping households who might be struggling with energy bills. This latest round of funding is another opportunity to get funds to communities that need it the most so I would encourage organisations to apply.”
The ERS’ funding streams are:
- Main Fund, with £13.25 million. Aimed at projects seeking grants between £50,000 and £2 million supporting vulnerable households.
- Small Project Fund, with £750,000. For projects seeking grants between £20,000 and £49,999.
- Innovation Fund, containing £3 million. Benefitting projects set to innovate products or services for households. Applicants can apply for sums between £20,000 and £1 million.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund, containing £3 million. Aimed at projects that will reduce UK carbon emissions and empower households to reduce their carbon footprint. Applicants can apply for grants between £20,000 and £1 million.
For more details, check here. Applications close on Tuesday 20 February.
