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Warm Homes Fund

A £50 million pound  Scottish Government initiative (running 2012-2017) which aims to provide loan funding for renewable energy projects (including district heating) to support communities in fuel poverty.

Currently,  funding will be made available to any scheme which demonstrates it is targeted to a fuel-poor area, and will reduce fuel poverty within that community.

Up to a maximum of £1 million per project is available, borrowed over a maximum period of 10 years.

The interest rate to be charged will be competitive and will vary according to the risk status of the applicant.

Who is eligible?

Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and local authorities can apply, as well as energy services companies (ESCOs) formed by RSLs or local authorities. These agencies should contact EST for application forms.

Community groups undertaking renewable energy projects may also in certain circumstances be eligible for support from the Warm Homes Fund. In the first instance they should contact Community Energy Scotland, who can work with them to identify appropriate technical and funding support mechanisms.

Development support

Grants for feasibility studies/options appraisals and strategy documents will also be made available, subject to a maximum limit of £20,000 per study.

When is the deadline for making an application?

For 2013/14, applications will be considered on a bi-annual  basis. Applications should be submitted by end of June and end of October.

For further information and to apply, see the Energy Savings Trust, click here.