SEAI Pilots New Grant Scheme for SME’s to support Lighting Upgrades

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) want to help you reduce your energy use and costs, making you more competitive as a result. To do this, SEAI have recently launched their Smart Lighting grant scheme which will support SMEs in carrying out a lighting upgrade.

Energy efficient lighting can save you up to 90% on your annual lighting electricity costs!

Lighting was selected, as it is a technology that all SMEs are affected by. Lighting technology has improved drastically in the last 10 years, so the impacts are substantial.

Who Should Apply?

SME’s located in the Republic of Ireland, with less than 50 employees are eligible to apply. The sectors selected below were chosen as they have longer operating hours and therefore have higher electricity lighting costs. Small SMEs are the focus of this pilot as they are the SMEs that find it hardest to invest in this technology without supports.

Applicants must be from the following sectors: (other sectors considered on a case-by-case basis, check out the SEAI guidance sheet for more information)

·         Fitness Centres

·         Retailers

·         Small Hotels / Large B&Bs

·         Pharmacies

·         Nursing Homes

·         Jewellers

Applications must entail a whole building or facility, which includes lighting upgrades undertaken in all service areas within the building.

SEAI will cover up to 40% of the cost of replacing existing lighting. This lighting must be in working order and in a building that is in general use at the time of the application.

Technologies covered include:

·         New energy efficient light products. These products must be on the SEAI triple E register and eligible for Accelerated Capital Allowance.

·         Lighting controls.

For more information or to make an application online click on the following link: http://www.seai.ie/Grants/SME-Supports-for-Lighting-Upgrades/