£40 million in funding now available for charities and community energy groups through the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme

The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (Energy Redress Scheme) opens for applications today, 12 December 2024, marking its tenth funding round.

Charities and community energy groups across England, Scotland and Wales can now apply for a grant through one of four funding streams, with a total of £40 million available.   

The scheme prioritises support for vulnerable people with their energy bills, the development of innovative energy related products or services and projects to empower individuals to reduce their carbon emissions.

Since 2018, the Energy Redress Scheme has funded more than 611 projects across England, Scotland and Wales, with a total of £128 million allocated.

Previous projects have included, impartial energy advice services supporting vulnerable people and research projects aimed at making sure that the needs of elderly people and disabled people are met by new energy technologies. Projects also focus on boosting the uptake of whole-house energy upgrades and trialing new business models or interventions to allow households to use more locally generated energy. 

Graham Ayling, senior project manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer this new funding, enabling voluntary sector organisations to provide vital support for those most in need in their communities. The funding will also support projects that will ensure no one is left behind as the UK transitions to net zero.”

Cathryn Scott, regulatory director at Ofgem, said: “We've seen hundreds of brilliant projects so far, and nearly £130million allocated because of the Energy Redress Scheme. It’s fantastic to see the scheme in its tenth round of funding offering another £40million worth of grants - much of which is a direct result of Ofgem’s compliance and enforcement work. We strongly encourage charities and community groups working in the energy sectors across England, Scotland and Wales to apply."

The deadline for applications to this funding round is 5pm on 15 January 2025, via the Energy Redress website. Organisations that haven’t yet registered with the scheme must do so 10 working days before the relevant fund closes to allow time for eligibility checks to take place.

The funding streams available are: 

• The Main Fund, containing £27 million – aimed at projects seeking grants between £50,000 and £2 million that will support households in vulnerable situations.   
• The Small Project Fund, containing £1 million – aimed at projects seeking grants between £20,000 and £49,999 that will support households in vulnerable situations.   
• The Innovation Fund, containing £6 million – aimed at projects that will develop innovative products or services to benefit households. Applicants can apply for grants between £20,000 and £1 million.   
• The Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund, containing £6 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.