With ongoing and rising energy costs, now is an ideal time to review your energy efficiency through grants offered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for small and medium sized businesses under the SEAI Easy Wins scheme. The SEAI Easy Wins scheme supports businesses by providing €2000 vouchers to offset costs (or fully cover) energy audits for businesses, in addition to grants for business energy upgrades and specific or larger projects.
Who Can Apply for SEAI Easy Wins Grants?
For small and medium businesses to be eligible for energy audits and the €2000 voucher, they must be registered non-obligated entities in the Republic of Ireland, demonstrate tax compliance, and spend a minimum of €10,000 on energy costs (exclusive of transport energy costs) per annum at the audited site. For businesses that qualify as SMEs (small and medium enterprises) under Irish and EU Legislation, grants are issued automatically once all requirements of the application process are met.
The Pat Group – Registered Energy Auditors
The process is straightforward, with SMEs selecting from a list of Registered Energy Auditors, like the PAT Group, who are approved vendors under the Easy Wins scheme to receive SEAI grant funding. Once a vendor is selected, businesses can then complete the SEAIs online form to receive their voucher and to schedule their energy audit with the auditor. Businesses should allow for 3-4 hours on site for the audit (with some smaller businesses only taking around an hour) – and depending on the nature of the site audits can also be scheduled over two days if needed.
Understanding Energy Audits
Once the audit is completed, businesses will receive their report, which details energy usage and the ways in which strategic upgrades or proactivity can significantly reduce energy costs. These reports are comprehensive and address businesses estimated energy/cost savings, emission reductions, problematic areas or devices (i.e.., poor insulation, wiring, etc.), and renewable energy options among other factors.
Additional SEAI Grants for SMEs
It is also important to note that there are additional grants offered for SMEs through the Easy Wins scheme that can provide from €25,000 – €162,000 for different projects. These include improvements to solar energy, roofing/wall fabric, energy efficient building design, and for heating/cooling systems. For larger or specialised energy improvements, the SEAI also offers grants for renewable heating and community grants, in addition to the EXCEED grant, that supports planning for an energy investment project.
Get Your SEAI Easy Wins Grant
As most SMEs can avail of the €2000 voucher, there is no better time to schedule an energy audit with approved SEAI vendors like the PAT Group to proactively reduce energy costs, implement energy saving systems and infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy options. Give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us online to talk to a specialist today.
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