Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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138. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a timeframe for introducing energy support grants for businesses that rely on oil and/or LPG that are excluded from the TBESS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12980/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I know it is a very difficult time for businesses that is why the Government has put in place financial supports to assist businesses with their increasing energy costs. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is a government grant designed to help businesses with increasing energy costs.

The Scheme has been designed by the Department of Finance and is being administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Funding for the Scheme comes through my Department’s Vote.

Government was concerned at the low uptake of the Scheme and we want more businesses to be eligible to apply for this grant. Reflecting on stakeholder feedback on the low uptake Government decided to make some changes to the parameters of the Scheme and these were announced recently. Some changes are in effect now, but some are subject to state aid approval. Once this is received, other changes will come into place shortly thereafter that. Businesses should continue to apply to the Revenue Commissioners for their applications to be processed.

As of 12th March, the number of approved claims were 25,706 to the value of €49.11million. Of this total number, 4,200 were claims in respect of metered gas costs from 3,530 businesses.

Government also announced the intention for a Scheme for business users of LPG and kerosene given that these are not eligible fuels under the TBESS. This is currently under examination by officials in my Department along with Department of Finance and Environment, Climate & Communications. It should be noted that firms using these fuels should be eligible to make claims in respect of increased costs of metered electricity.

Other Government energy supports available for SMEs apart from TBESS, and including both advice and financial supports include:

- The recently relaunched Support Scheme for Renewable Heat which provides financial support to help businesses move to renewable heating is a way for business to future proof and invest in cost saving energy.

- The Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme - SBCI supports eligible SMEs to invest in the energy efficiency of their enterprises. Loan amounts from €10,000 to a maximum of €150,000 per borrower, over terms of 1 year up to 10 years.

- Climate Toolkit 4 Business allows SMEs to input some simple information to get an estimate of their carbon footprint. It will use this information to generate a personalised action plan and recommend those supports that are relevant to help each business reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.

- Small and medium-sized businesses can currently receive an energy audit voucher from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to get professional advice on how to increase efficiency and reduce their costs.

- The Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme - SEAI provides up to €2,400 towards the installation of solar PV for businesses, farms, schools, community centres, or other non-profit organisation. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grants are available for systems up to 6kWp (approx. 16 Panels or 25m²) with a potential of savings between €2,000 - €3000 annual electrical costs (depending on installation size and current utility rates).

- The Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme - Enterprise Ireland assists viable but vulnerable firms of all sizes in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. There are two streams of funding under the Scheme: the first will assist firms suffering liquidity problems as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the second will also help those impacted by severe rises in energy costs.

Information on all current energy support schemes are listed on my Department’s website at Energy supports - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)