The Better Energy Community programme assists energy efficiency community projects through capital funding, partnerships, and technical support.

How the BEC programme works

The BEC programme funds a range of project types. We aim to deliver energy savings to homeowners, communities, and private sector organisations. All projects should be community oriented with a cross-sectoral approach, and you must show that you can sustainably finance the proposed project.

  • €30m

    Grant supports for community energy projects

  • €70m

    Total investment in energy efficiency

Eligibility for funding

Projects supported by BEC

Successful BEC projects must demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics.

  • Community benefits
  • Multiple elements
  • Mix of sustainable solutions
  • A clear road map
  • Innovation and project ambition
  • Justified energy savings
  • An ability to deliver the project

Measures supported by BEC

This list outlines the types of measures we want to support through the BEC programme. We are seeking a mix of elements, not a single focus.

  • Building Fabric Upgrades
  • Technology and System upgrades
  • Integration of Control Systems
  • Integration of renewable energy sources
  • Domestic Combined Fabric Upgrade

Partnership

Partnership is essential for a successful application. You should seek partnership from organisations that fall into the eligible categories. These partnerships can be assisted by SEAI if required.

Innovative and pioneering partnerships between sectors are encouraged. This might include collaborations between public and private sectors, residential and non-residential sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations, or financing entities and energy suppliers. Projects that are part of a larger energy efficiency project or engage with other SEAI programmes are welcome.

Timeframes

2017 grant applications are now closed. If you are interested in developing a community energy project in 2018 this section will provide you with information you need to get started.

The programme is run annually through a competitive process. Once applications are closed, we then review what projects will be supported under the scheme. In contrast to our Sustainable Energy Community programme, it is structured on a tight timeframe.

  • 13th October 2017 is the deadline for 2017 project completions
  • The 2018 BEC scheme will launch in late 2017.

Contact us

Email bec@seai.ie
Call 01 808 2162
Join us on LinkedIn

Current BEC project members

Find all the information you need on your project delivery by registering or logging into the project evaluation platform.

Register / Login