What is the Lancashire Small Scale Renewables Scheme?

The Lancashire Small Scale Renewables Scheme is a simple accessible capital grant fund, to assist businesses in Lancashire that wish to install small scale renewable energy generation equipment.

The fund is managed by Lancashire County Developments Ltd, (LCDL) the economic development department of Lancashire County Council and funded by LCDL and Lancashire County Council's Climate Change Fund.

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Duration of the scheme?

The scheme is open to applications between October 2008 and October 2010 and aims to assist Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

• save money on energy bills
• cut CO2 emissions
• reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• demonstrate the green credentials of their business.

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Am I eligible for support?

Types of businesses which are normally classed as an SME are those which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding £50million euros, and /or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euros.

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How much can I apply for?

Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs can be applied for, up to a maximum of £20,000.

If you have a farm business, please contact us prior to making an application, as the maximum grant available may be considerably lower.

All grants are paid on defrayed expenditure – i.e. grant payments are claimed once the money has been spent.

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How long until a decision is reached?

A decision will usually take up to 4 weeks following the submission of a proposal.

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Who can apply?

Any Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) based within the Lancashire County Council administrative area can apply. SME's must be able to explain how they will seek to reduce their CO2 emissions and identify cost benefits as a result of their project.

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How do I apply?

All applicants must have an energy efficiency audit prior to making an application. This free service is normally carried out by the Lancashire Business Environment Association (LBEA).

Following this visit, all that is required is the completion of a simple initial proposal form and once approved, an application form.

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Useful links

Name - Bio-energy Capital Grant Scheme
Source - Department of Energy & Climate Change
Who can apply - Businesses, organisations and charities in the commercial, industrial and community sectors

Name - Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2
Source - Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Who can apply - Public sector (including schools, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities) and charitable bodies

Name - Lancashire Locals Climate Change Fund
Source – Lancashire County Council
Who can apply - Voluntary organisations, community groups and parish/town councils

Name - Chorley Climate Change Business Grants scheme
Source – Chorley Borough Council
Who can apply – SME businesses in Chorley Borough Council area

Name - Energy Efficiency Loans (Interest Free)
Source – The Carbon Trust
Who can apply – SME businesses

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