Latest News

New Government Department - DECC

October 2008

The UK Government has announced the formation of a new department, with a remit covering both energy and climate change. These responsbilities have been taken over from BERR and DEFRA respectively. Energy has been without its own dedicated government department since 1992. The Department of Energy and Climate Change's new website is under construction, but all UK energy information and statistics will shortly be published there. DECC will also take over existing energy grant schemes such as the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

Stroud CHEERS Update

October 2008

This update is aimed at participants in Stroud District Council's CHEERS scheme for community buildings, which is managed by SWEA this year.

Energy Audits - all 20 slots for free energy audits have now been allocated, so no new bookings can be taken at present. Half of the surveys have now been completed, and the rest will be booked during late October and November.

CHEERS Grants - halls that have received energy audits and reports, either this year or last year, can now apply for limited grant funding. 'Stage 2' grant application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded via the links below. Please contact us if you would like printed copies. Requests for CHEERS grants are now being evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis. SWEA aims to make formal decisions within 3 weeks of receiving fully-completed applications.

Gloucestershire Renewable Energy Grants

July 2008 onwards

Flat-rate grants of £1,000 for domestic microgeneration technologies are now available in all Gloucestershire districts. These local grants can be matched with the national Low Carbon Buildings Programme in order to achieve a higher level of funding. Full details of grant funding, including application forms, are available from this site. Note that you will need to use an accredited product from an accredited installer, and details on these are provided.

CSEP Launches

April 2008

SWEA have been appointed as registered consultants for the new Community Sustainable Energy Programme, administered by BRE. This is a £9 million national programme, offering project development and capital grants for renewable energy projects in community buildings.

Update - the first round of CSEP funding was awarded in July, and one of the community buildings surveyed by SWEA in February has won funding for a new ground source heat pump system.