Sep 3, 2016
WPD Reopens Popular Energy Efficiency Grant Program - $65,000 Up for Grabs!
The Arts Factory in Wales was just one of the groups to benefit from last year’s Community Chest.
Energy saving grants will be available once again for community buildings across Western Power Distribution’s network area in the Midlands, South West and South Wales.
The Community Chest, funded by WPD and administered by CSE, is designed to support energy saving measures up to a value of $1,300 (£1,000) which reduce the running costs while improving the comfort and warmth of community buildings such as village halls. The scheme, now in its fifth round has awarded grants to over 200 community buildings since 2010.
A total of $65,000 (£50,000) is up for grabs and the grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, so prospective applicants will need to act quickly.
Tracy Carr from WPD encouraged communities to apply. “The application process is simple; groups complete a straightforward ‘walk around’ audit of their building to identify areas where improvements are needed and submit the results with a short application form along with quotes for the desired energy efficient measure. It’s simple so don’t delay,” Carr said.
The types of improvements which can be funded include insulation measures, heating improvements, double or secondary glazing, draught proofing, energy efficient lighting, energy saving appliances and water reduction measures.
Groups are asked to carry out their own energy audits in order to help them to understand where improvements can be made. CSE's Dan Stone, who is managing the project on behalf of WPD said, “Often low cost and zero cost changes can make the biggest difference to a building, so the aim of the program is to encourage buildings to look into these things before looking at bigger, more expensive measures like renewable energy installations. We’re really pleased that WPD have reopened the program so that even more buildings can benefit.”
Successful grant recipients will also be required to hold a community event which showcases the improvements they’ve made and shares knowledge and advice on energy saving with the wider community.
For more details please check out this website: www.cse.org.uk/wpdcc
Quick links.