Grants of £1,000 are still available for community groups across the South West of England and South and West Wales, who are looking to reduce their energy use.

The Western Power Distribution Community Chest is open to all eligible groups (although applications from Cornwall and Wales are particularly welcome). The grant is intended to allow groups to carry out energy audits in village halls or community buildings – and then to follow this up with simple but effective energy efficiency improvements.

The scheme provides groups with the resources and guidance to allow them to carry out an audit of their community building, from which they will be able to identify various energy saving improvements that will help reduce their building’s CO2 emissions. Improvements could include anything from low energy lighting to more intuitive heating controls, through to draught-proofing or insulation, which can have significant impacts on reducing energy use and fuel bills.

The grant scheme, which was launched at the end of last year, has so far received a lot of interest, and potential groups are being reminded that funding for the project is currently limited to £50,000.

To find out more about the project and how to apply for funding, click here.

Photo Ryan MacFarland

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