North-east fuel poverty projects could land £25k windfall

NORTH-east community groups working on fuel poverty projects could be eligible for grants of up to £25,000.

Small grassroots organisations that operate in the Scottish Gas Network (SGN) area are being encouraged to apply to the Safe and Warm Fund to support work around energy, fuel poverty and carbon monoxide safety. There is a particular focus on groups which have experience in working with hard to reach and seldom heard groups, are embedded in their local area and able to connect with individuals who may not otherwise access support.

The fund is run by SGN and the Centre for Sustainable Energy.

Groups must be legally incorporated and have robust administrative systems for reporting and auditing purposes at the end of the funding period

Organisations who are successful in their applications will be able to demonstrate that they are able to provide help directly on, or make supported referrals for, all of the following: Personalised energy advice (eg energy efficiency behaviour change), energy efficiency measures and energy schemes (eg Warm Home Discount); Priority Services Register sign ups; Benefits eligibility checks and debt advice; Energy crisis support (fuel voucher or emergency funding) and other crisis support (eg food, clothing or housing); Carbon monoxide safety awareness advice; Other areas of support for vulnerable customers.

For more information, and to apply, visit https://www.cse.org.uk

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