£12.7m has been awarded in grants

These are for projects which are supporting vulnerable households at risk from cold homes and high energy bills to reduce their energy costs, and developing carbon emission reduction initiatives.

Now in its fourth year, Ofgem’s enforcement and compliance scheme collects voluntary payments from companies that may have breached Ofgem-administered rules.

The latest group of successful organisations will receive grants ranging from £36,000 to more than £1.3 million to deliver projects lasting up to two years.

These include:

• Act on Energy will receive a grant from the main project funding stream. Their project, ‘Warmer Homes Midlands – Phase 2’ will build on two years of successful delivery that has already supported more than 10,000 vulnerable households with their independent service across the seven urban local authorities of the West Midlands Combined Authority
• Citizens Advice Torfaen will receive a grant from the small project funding stream. Their project, ‘Warmer Torfaen’ will support vulnerable clients to improve energy efficiency in their homes and source practical solutions to help households keep their homes warm and provide emergency assistance, before signposting for further support.
• Midsteeple Quarter will receive a grant from the innovation funding stream to fund their project ‘Midsteeple Quarter Hybrid Heating Network’. This will enable development of an aquifer-fed water source heating system for wider implementation in neighbouring Midsteeple Quarter buildings and other town centre properties operated by the local community.

Graham Ayling, senior project manager for the Energy Redress Scheme, said: “With households facing exceptional rises in energy costs, this round of funding will enable national and regional charities and community groups who have a key role on the frontline to support those most at risk from high energy prices. At the same time, reducing energy use in our homes is a significant part of ensuring a fair transition towards net zero carbon emissions. These funds will help organisations to scale up their vital work to meet the challenges of these unprecedented times.”

Charles Hargreaves, Ofgem, deputy director, enforcement and emerging issues, added: “We know that this winter is a difficult time for many, as high global gas prices continue to affect consumers.

“We are pleased that a further £12.7m from our Energy Redress Scheme has been awarded to organisations that will provide help to people in vulnerable situations, as well as supporting innovation and reductions in emissions.

“The Energy Redress Scheme, funded by Ofgem’s enforcement and compliance activities, makes a real difference to those who need it most.”

Energy Saving Trust were reappointed by Ofgem in March 2022 to continue the management and allocation of grants for the scheme, which started in 2018. The priorities of the scheme are to support energy consumers in vulnerable situations, develop innovative products or services and empower consumers to reduce their carbon emissions.

Organisations that are already registered with the Energy Redress Scheme and have passed the due diligence process can apply to the open round until that date.