Support for SMEs and Communities to Reduce Energy and Save Money
Tipperary Energy Agency, Tipperary County Council, The Local Enterprise Office and the North Tipperary Leader Partnership and South Tipperary Development Company have joined forces to offer a support program to SMEs and Communities to reduce their energy use and costs. These supports will consist of an advice mentoring, and grant support program.
Communities can avail of energy efficiency and renewable grant opportunities for their projects under SEAI’s Better Energy Communities competitive grant program. Communities should be investment ready as construction work will need to take place in the summer of 2015 to ensure completion before the October 28thdeadline. The potential grant funding is up to 50% for communities.
SMEs will have an opportunity to avail of two free energy management services which are offered in conjunction with Local Enterprise office for micro enterprises and an EU funded project, European Enterprise Climate Cup (EECC). This is aimed at SMEs want to save energy and costs, through energy management, education, training and potentially investment. SME’s who take part will appoint an energy champion to be trained in how to manage energy. Tipperary Energy Agency will run a series of workshops that will support the Energy Champion to make changes in the workplace, as well as offer tools, advice and support. SMEs that have energy investments planned can potentially participate in the SEAI Better Energy grants program. For SME this could be up to 30% support.
All grant applications are on a cost competitive basis, participation does not guarantee grant support. There may be costs associated with the application for grant funding.
Paul Kenny, CEO of Tipperary Energy Agency, said “It’s evident that the majority of SMEs don’t fully understand the drivers of their energy costs even though they know that cost savings can be made by implementing energy efficient initiatives. By taking part in this, we can offer free advice and support to businesses that will help them to address this.”
Information Evenings will take place as follows:
- Thurles – 4th Feb – Cabragh Wetlands Trust, Holycross Road, Thurles.
- Cahir – 5th Feb – TEA Offices, Erasmus Smith House, Church Street, Cahir.
- Nenagh – 10th Feb – Abbeycourt Hotel,
From 7.30pm to 9pm
If you’re business or community is interested in getting involved please contact Tipperary Energy Agency today on 052 7443090 or email info@tea.ie or one of the other support organisations
