Energy Redress Scheme: How Charities Can Apply
How the Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme works: who can apply, the funds and grant sizes, the two-week registration rule and how to be ready for the next round.
The Energy Redress Scheme gives grants from £20,000 to charities and community energy groups working on energy problems in England, Scotland and Wales. Round 2 closed on 12 October 2026 and the next round has no date yet. Groups that register and plan early do best.
Last checked: 19 October 2026. Every date and amount below comes from the scheme's own website or Energy Saving Trust.
What the Energy Redress Scheme is
Energy companies that may have broken Ofgem's rules can make voluntary payments, and the scheme passes that money on as grants. Energy Saving Trust runs it for Ofgem. The scheme says it has awarded more than £246 million since 2018.
Its main aim is to help people in vulnerable situations who are most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills. Smaller shares go to new energy products and services, and to cutting carbon from energy use. You can follow it on our Energy Redress Scheme listing.
Who can apply
The scheme's eligibility page lists these organisations in England, Scotland and Wales:
- registered charities
- community interest companies
- co-operative societies and community benefit societies
- housing associations with exempt charity status
You can't apply if you, or a delivery partner, have close links to an energy company Ofgem regulates, such as a gas or electricity supplier or a network operator. All work must be energy specific. General debt or benefits advice is out, but advice on energy debt is in.
The funds and grant sizes
Every grant starts at £20,000 and can cover up to 100% of project costs for up to two years, with no match funding needed. Round 2 (21 September to 12 October 2026) had £15 million across six streams:
| Fund | Round 2 pot | Grant size in Round 2 | What it pays for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Fund | £9.5m | £50,000 to £1.5m | Energy advice, measures and support for people in vulnerable situations |
| Small Project Fund | £500,000 | £20,000 to £49,999 | The same work, for projects under £50,000 |
| Impact Fund | £500,000 | £20,000 to £250,000 | Measuring the difference energy advice makes |
| Innovation Fund | £2.25m | £20,000 to £1m | Developing and testing new energy products and services |
| Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund | £1.5m | £20,000 to £750,000 | Community energy and access to low-carbon technology |
| Just Transition Fund | £750,000 | £20,000 to £200,000 | Early development work on community renewable energy |
Pot sizes and limits change each round (in Round 1 the Main Fund went up to £2 million), so check again when Round 3 opens.
Register two weeks before the deadline
This is the rule that catches people out. You must register your organisation at least two weeks before a round's deadline, or you risk not being considered. Registration is free, you only do it once, and it lets the team confirm you are eligible. It asks about your legal status, governance, finances and the kind of project you have in mind.
Round 2 opened on 21 September and closed on 12 October, three weeks later. If you wait for the next announcement, the registration cut-off could already be close.
Each organisation can lead only one application per round, though you can be a partner on others.
Paid quarterly in arrears: plan your cash flow
The scheme's FAQs say successful applicants hear within 8 to 10 weeks of the deadline. Grants are then paid three months in arrears. So you spend first and are repaid about three months later, once your evidence and reports are in.
Before you apply, work out how you will cover the first three months of staff and delivery costs. Our grant budget template shows how to set out costs so any gaps are easy to spot.
When the next round opens
The scheme's key dates page lists Phase 3, Round 3 as "to be announced". It reviews funding quarterly: Round 1 opened on 2 June 2026 and Round 2 on 21 September. While you wait:
- Register your organisation now.
- Download the example application form and draft your answers.
- Read the guidance for the fund that fits and watch the recorded webinars.
- Line up partners, quotes and evidence of need.
Too small for £20,000? Grants open now
If your project is smaller, or you need money this winter, these are open now:
- Bath & West Community Energy Fund: up to £5,000 for groups in and around Bath. It particularly welcomes fuel poverty projects. Closes 1pm on 29 October 2026.
- Arnold Clark Cost-of-Living Support: for charities and community groups within 50 miles of an Arnold Clark branch.
- Mayor's Opportunity Fund, North East England: up to £7,500, on a rolling basis, for practical cost-of-living help.
For more, see energy grants open now, our guide to energy and net zero grants, and warm spaces funding for winter hubs.
Questions people ask
Can a CIC apply to the Energy Redress Scheme? Yes. Community interest companies are on the scheme's list of eligible organisations, along with charities and co-operative and community benefit societies.
Can we apply to more than one fund? Yes, but not in the same round.
Do we need match funding? No. Grants can cover up to 100% of project costs.
Can we try again after a rejection? Yes, in a later round. The scheme warns that bids sent back with no real changes are a common reason for failure.
Want to know when Round 3 opens? Create a free GrantMatch account and we'll email you when new energy funding is listed.
We check every deadline on the funder's own website before publishing. Funders do change dates, so always confirm on their site before you apply.