This winter, community groups in Lewisham could benefit from new grants of up to £10,000 after the council announced a second round of Lewisham Community Energy Fund (LCEF) funding this week.

Councillor Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action said: “I am delighted to see the Lewisham Community Energy Fund return. Since our Climate Emergency declaration in 2019, we’ve made good progress towards improving energy efficiency in the borough and support a shift towards renewable energy.”

Those eligible include schools, voluntary groups and social enterprises as well as faith and equality groups and tenant associations.

The council says it is looking for new ways to help vulnerable groups as facilities that support residents are struggling to earn money in the face of rising energy costs.

According to an Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey from October 2023, 54% of adults in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living compared to the previous month.

The initiative is also part of the council’s bid to reach net zero carbon by 2030 by providing new capacity for local community and voluntary groups to decrease energy, carbon emissions, and fuel poverty. Net zero will be achieved when the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere does not exceed the amount removed.

Lewisham’s Community Energy Fund’s second round follows its first round in 2019/20.

Individuals cannot apply but Lewisham Council welcome applications from organisations no matter how small, which if needed can partner with another organisation to receive the funding.  

The applications are currently open and will close midday December 18, 2023.