Big funding opportunities from National Grid in Big Energy Saving Week
Have you got a big idea for an innovative energy efficiency project that will provide affordable energy to households in disadvantaged communities? If so National Grid is inviting you to bid for a share of £400,000 as part of a new Energy Efficiency Innovation Award Scheme.
The scheme will support the ambitions of this weeks’ Big Energy Saving Week, backed by the Department of Energy and Climate.
While the emphasis is firmly on innovation, this could include projects that break down the barriers to the development and take up of new products and services, that deliver innovative solutions to reduce energy demand in low-income households, or that join up existing schemes to bring maximum benefits for vulnerable households and the wider community.
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions said ‘National Grid is committed to providing sustainable, innovative and affordable energy and we recognise that investing in energy efficiency brings multiple benefits to communities and householders. We know that some of the best ideas come from within communities and that funding is often the major obstacle to them coming to fruition. The scheme is the first of its kind and I am really excited to see what ideas come forward’.
Jenny Saunders OBE, Chief Executive of National Energy Action (NEA), the national fuel poverty charity and one of the award scheme judges said ‘Coordinated action at a local level is key to helping the estimated 2.2 million households in living in fuel poverty in our communities and there is a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion amongst not for profit organisations seeking to address this problem across England.
However, enthusiasm and commitment can only go so far, and many of these agencies need capital funding to convert their big ideas into actual householder benefits. I’m delighted that National Grid have agreed to support some of these innovative projects and hope through this scheme that more low income households will be able to live in warm, dry homes’.
The scheme, which is funded by National Grid and community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions will be administered by NEA. It will provide at least one not for profit agency in each of the four National Grid Gas Distribution Areas with up to £100k funding to design and deliver a project bringing tangible and lasting benefits to low-income households in fuel poverty.
Notes to editors
Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) established by National Grid to help fight fuel poverty by providing new gas connections and investing in energy efficiency measures in homes that lie within the most deprived areas of its gas distribution area (Midlands, the North West, North London and East Anglia) For further information, please visit https://www.affordablewarmthsolutions.org.uk/.
For more information and to apply before 10 November visit www.nea.org.uk.
National Energy Action is the national charity which aims to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor and vulnerable. For more information visit www.nea.org.uk.
Claire Henderson
Communications Officer
NEA
6th Floor (Elswick)
West One
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3PA
Tel: 0191 2615677
DL 0191 2692909
Fax: 0191 2616496
www.nea.org.uk
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