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Introduction
According to recent research from Cornwall Insight’s Business Energy Cost Forecast electric bills for small industrial consumers, such as large retail, leisure units and small manufacturers are set to rise by over £200,000 more than pre-energy crisis levels by 2026. Energy bills are expected to hit £550,000 for the 2026-2027 year, which represents a 57% increase when compared to the pre-energy crisis level of just over £350,000 per year.
Whilst household electric bills are protected by an energy cap, there is no similar protection in place for businesses to shield them from high energy bills and taking on increased costs. Businesses with lower energy footprints than the figures quoted above will also struggle with energy cost increases compared to their relative size and revenues, and will be forced to make tough decisions, such as passing on increased costs to consumers or making job cuts to control costs in other ways.
Businesses can help mitigate rising energy costs by adopting energy efficient solutions and working practices in their operations and by working towards a net zero strategy. There are a number of grants available to businesses from the Government, local authorities and sector specific support organisations in order to help support adopting energy saving and energy efficiency measures.
What Are Some Of the Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Grants Available?
i) Food and Drink TechHUB Support Programme
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is providing capital grants to businesses in the Highlands region looking to introduce a step-change to their food and drink organisation by implementing new technologies. Examples of eligible costs include investing in technologies that increase efficiency and productivity in production. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 25th August 2025
ii) Energy Efficiency Grant
The Growth Company is providing a scheme where Greater Manchester businesses can apply for funding towards energy efficiency improvements including heating equipment upgrades, replacement motors, drives and compressors, refrigeration equipment upgrades and process efficiency investments. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Ashford Rural Energy Efficiency Grant
Ashford Borough Council is providing a scheme that aims to facilitate energy efficiency projects. The funding will support the purchase and installation of alternative energy sourcing equipment that will help businesses to improve their carbon footprint. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st January 2025
iv) Rother Business Energy Efficiency Grants Programme
Rother District Council is providing a scheme where businesses can apply for funding towards energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, such as LED lighting, air source heat pumps, new double glazing, solar panels, insulation, and energy efficient machinery and equipment. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Flintshire Carbon Reduction Fund
Antur Cymru is providing a scheme where local businesses can apply for funding to support the creation of a Carbon Reduction Plan which will help them adopt low/zero carbon methodologies and practices into their business. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Dudley Decarbonisation and Net Zero Grants Programme
Dudley Business First is providing a scheme that aims to support businesses to make carbon savings through increased energy and resource efficiency. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Net Zero Worcestershire Grants
Worcestershire County Council is providing funding available to help businesses across the county to implement energy saving initiatives including LED lighting, heating and insulation and renewables. Funding up to £4,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Net Zero Newport Decarbonisation Programme
Newport City Council is providing a scheme that aims to help businesses and community groups in the Newport area to establish baseline carbon emissions, implement emission reduction plans and fund projects aligned with sustainability objectives. Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Business Energy Efficiency Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested businesses can speak to energy efficiency advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find The Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK business energy efficiency funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/
