GRANTS to alleviate winter fuel poverty struggles could be made available in Shropshire through the National Grid.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is making £500,000 available through its Community Matters Fund to charities and community groups that are distributing warm packs or energy efficiency measures (e.g. warm blankets, radiator keys, insulated curtains, draught excluders) for home usage.

Or to those visiting isolated households to help people make their homes warmer and more energy efficient; running a warm space in a community building; improving the energy efficiency of a community building used as a warm space or providing tariff switching, energy saving, winter fuel discount, or other fuel poverty advice.

READ MORE: Energy bills: When should I turn my heating on in the UK?

Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000, while constituted charitable organisations without a charity number can apply for up to £2,000. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, November 1.

OTHER NEWS:

Ellie Patey, community engagement manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We’re keen to support projects in Shropshire that will have a long-term impact beyond the initial funding, for example, a venture helping people save money on energy bills on an ongoing and sustainable basis.

“Applications are particularly welcome from grassroots organisations serving economically disadvantaged areas and targeting historically underrepresented and marginalised groups.”

As well as offering grants, National Grid has eight fuel poverty schemes with key partners in each of its four licence areas – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and South Wales. Each scheme delivers wide-ranging, specialist, one-to-one support to tackle fuel poverty.

Among them are the “Power Up” and “Affordable Warmth” schemes, which connect customers in the region with partners and independent organisations which can help them save money and keep warm.

Their staff can advise on eligibility for benefits, switching to more cost-effective fuel tariffs, as well as bill payment options. Practical guidance can also be given to help improve energy efficiency and upgrade heating systems.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

Through this and other initiatives last year, more than 23,000 customers received help and benefited from £23 million in savings.

National Grid is looking to offer more support this winter through partnerships with external organisations. This includes the Warm Welcome Campaign, which supports a network of 4,000 community-based warm spaces for people to meet.

To apply for a Community Matters Fund grant, visit https://localgiving.org/community-matters-fund-oct-2024-37384