Buildings and businesses offered grants to cut energy bills

Community buildings and businesses can receive up to £6,500 under the refreshed Solar PV and Battery Grants scheme from Three Rivers District Council.

The grants – which have been increased from a previous limit of £3,000 – support the cost of installing solar panels and/or a battery system to their commercial premises.

The council launched the scheme earlier this year to help businesses by part-funding the installation of solar panels and/or battery systems, but has now widened eligibility to include community buildings across the district.

Now owners of non-residential buildings that provide activities, services or space for the benefit of the local community can also apply online until April 2028. The scheme will close once all the available grants have been allocated. Funding will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cllr Aidan Bentley, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “I urge eligible organisations and businesses to apply for these fantastic grants today. We really do hope that by increasing the grants available we will see community buildings and more businesses benefit from this great scheme.

“We want to give organisations in Three Rivers practical support to invest in long-term sustainable solutions to reduce their energy costs, improve their financial resilience against energy price shocks and cut carbon emissions.”

The current scheme follows the success of last year’s Business Energy Efficiency Grant, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. One business which received funds under that scheme said: “The grant allowed us to be able to implement the changes to our workspace and provide a healthier environment for staff, save on bills and play our part of reducing emissions and waste.”

For more information and to apply for the Solar PV and Battery Grant, please visit: www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/environment-climate-emergency/sustainable-business