Claim capital allowances – First year allowances

You can claim capital allowances when you buy energy efficient, or low or zero-carbon technology for your business.

Environmental taxes, reliefs and schemes for businesses: Capital allowances on energy-efficient items - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

GrowAgri

If you have a product or service that could be adapted or improved for use in the horticultural or agricultural sector, you are most likely eligible. If your business is within the agri-tech/ agri-food sector and based in Worcestershire, then we would definitely like to hear from you.

Severn Trent Community Fund

To be eligible for a grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund, the organisation must be a registered not for profit, and the project you would like funding for must benefit Severn Trent customers.

Severn Trent Water Community Fund

Community Energy Fund

The Community Energy Fund (CEF) is a £10m grant scheme for urban and rural communities to develop energy services to benefit their local area. 

The funding will help to kickstart clean energy project including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points. It can also be used to fund fuel poverty alleviation schemes such as energy efficiency, retrofit, and advice projects. 

The fund is for eligible community-based organisations in England with projects that will bring benefits to the local community. 

These could include: 

• amateur sports clubs
• charitable incorporated organisations
• community interest groups
• faith groups
• town or parish councils

Applicants need to show that a good level of community engagement has been carried out and that there is genuine community support for the project, including plans for ongoing community engagement. 

For more information about the Fund can be found at Community energy Midlands Net Zero Hub.

Midlands Net Zero Hub also hosted a webinar providing information and guidance for potential applicants. Watch the Community Energy Fund Webinar.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero operates the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which is delivered by Salix. 

The Grant Scheme offers funding to encourage green investment, supporting the Government’s net zero and clean growth goals.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme - GOV.UK

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

Housing providers can bid for funding under this scheme to use innovative approaches to retrofitting social housing at scale.  Successful applicants must deliver their projects by September 2025. 

Apply for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Wave 2.1 - GOV.UK

Business energy contracts differ from domestic contracts. The Energy Price Cap (which sets a maximum price suppliers can charge domestic consumers) doesn’t apply to business energy contracts. It is, therefore, important that you understand the different types of contract you can  establish and any support available. 

Ofgem are the independent energy regulator in Great Britain and ensure fair treatment for all consumers. 

Energy prices have risen sharply in recent months. The Energy Savings Trust offers hints and tips on how to reduce your business heating and electricity use. Worcestershire County Council also have a range of grant support available for eligible businesses.  

With the increase in energy costs, your business may find difficulty paying the energy bills. In the event your business is struggling to pay their energy bills contact your supplier and discuss any options for payment plans. If you can’t reach an agreement on a way to pay, please contact Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133. 

Over the last 12 months, a number of energy suppliers have ceased trading. Ofgem offer the following advice if your supplier has left the energy market. 

1. Take a meter reading and don’t switch supplier
2. Wait for Ofgem to appoint a new supplier
3. When the new supplier contacts you, ask about their business tariffs and then make a decision on whether to switch supplier 

Alternative Fuel Payments 

If your business doesn’t use mains gas the Alternative Fuel Payment of £150 from Central Government is due to be credited to your energy account by 10 March 2023.

For information and advice on domestic energy please visit www.warmerworcestershire.com