Low Carbon Heat Grants to Communities

Community groups up and down the nation will be able to bid for a share of £8million to install low carbon heating like solar thermal panels, biomass boilers and heat pumps into homes in their local area. From today, community-based organisations including community co-operatives, voluntary groups, social enterprises and development trusts will be eligible to apply.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:
"Clean green generation at a local level is a key part of our energy future and I hope that communities of all shapes and sizes will get on board and take advantage of all this scheme has to offer."

Phillip Sellwood, CEO at the Energy Saving Trust said:
"Working together can make the process of upgrading to renewable heating easier and more affordable for everyone. This scheme will provide a great opportunity for community groups to prove once again that they can have a real impact in reducing carbon emissions and energy costs in their homes, whilst empowering communities to be more sustainable."

Community groups will need to submit a first stage application to the Energy Saving Trust by 7 September 2012. Applications will be judged on a range of criteria, including the project's vision, potential benefits for the local area, potential partners and any relevant experience of delivering similar projects.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) expects to support between 50 and 100 projects with the £8million fund and will announce the winners in December this year.