FAQs
Q. How long is the funding round open for?
Applications must be submitted by Sunday 2 March 2025, giving you time to build the business case for your idea before, including quotes, match-funding, feasibility works, and carbon reduction estimates.
Q. I want to apply, but I’m not sure where to start?
For project ideas, please refer to our application guidance and process map, which outlines key steps for building a complete application.
Q. Can we meet with Hounslow Officers to discuss our context and possible options before applying?
Yes. Please get in touch to arrange a discussion about your idea. We can connect you with the Corporate Energy Team, who may provide initial advice on suitable technologies. Email us at environmental.strategy@hounslow.gov.uk.
Q. Can I work with a partner organisation on my project?
We encourage community groups to work together with other organisations who can help provide you with the expertise to set up a community energy project or fill in an application form for funding. Partnership bids must nominate a single lead organisation to submit the application, receive funding, distribute it to partners and complete project monitoring.
Q. Do I need to apply for match-funding, or can I apply directly to the fund?
You can apply directly to the fund. However, we encourage match-funding, especially for larger projects. This may be less relevant for small to medium projects, and it is not a pre-requisite to apply.
Q. It might be easier to develop a case for installing LED lighting as opposed to a complete retrofit, would this still be acceptable?
Yes. Community groups may not be able to decarbonise completely in one go. However, you might want to identify match-funding to expand your project or consider how your project could involve a greater amount of community engagement and social inclusion. We welcome innovative, small, and highly visible projects that feed back into the community as well as larger projects.
Q. How far does £40,000 go? Would this cover heat pumps for larger community buildings?
Organisations such as Power Up North London, suggest that for a 47kwH heat pump could potentially cost circa £70,000, including installation. Therefore, we encourage seeking match-funding from multiple sources. This is a problem currently faced by the heat pump industry at large, that buyers cannot currently pay for heat pumps simply through the savings that it creates, and groups have to rely on merging different pots of available funding.
Q. Will the grant support hybrid systems e.g. heat pumps with gas boiler as a back-up?
Yes. We are open to exploring all options as there are different technologies that may be more suited to your building needs.
Q. Is funding per organisation or per project? Can the fund be split across different buildings in the same organisation?
Yes. As energy prices are now higher, our ultimate aim is to maximise the amount we can save to reduce energy bills, and this may involve retrofitting multiple buildings within the same organisation. A project may cover several sites in one application form.
Q. Can my project be broken up into multiple phases and seek funding for further phases once another funding round for HCEF is announced?
Yes, we welcome phased projects that will return for further rounds of funding. Please outline your project phases (can remain high level if you are still fleshing out details) and wider project ambitions in the application.
Q. Can I receive HCEF funding even if I have received other funds for the same project?
Yes, as long as receiving HCEF funding is compliant with the terms of the other funding sources, we encourage you to utilise additional funding sources where possible. This includes other funds administered by the Council.
Q. Can my project also apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
Yes, you can receive a SEG tariff alongside capital grants for generating renewable energy, but not for both the SEG and FiT export tariff. Find out more.
Q. How do I measure the estimated carbon saved from my project?
Please refer to the application guidance notes for more details on how to measure carbon emission reduction. Projects that don’t provide estimated carbon savings may be ineligible. If you need assistance, contact us at environmental.strategy@hounslow.gov.uk.
Q. What technical information is required for small and medium projects, such as installing LEDs?
You should seek energy surveys from potential suppliers. For works that will cost more than £5,000, make sure you seek at least 3 quotes. Completing the LBH Non-Domestic Energy Survey can also help highlight any changes that need to be made.
Q. Would the Council support community groups in calculating projected carbon savings (as part of the application process)? Equally, would the Council offer support in monitoring the carbon savings of projects? Or would the onus be on the community groups to calculate this?
Yes, we’re willing to assist with carbon savings calculations, so please get in touch with us if you are in this situation. Submit as much relevant information as possible in your application, and we’ll support further development.
Q. What level of detail is required on community involvement e.g. providing energy efficiency fairs at a church?
Initially, we require high-level information to ensure that you have engaged the relevant stakeholders and developed a general plan. This can be refined as your project progresses.
Q. It takes longer than three months to get permission from our church diocese for retrofit projects. What should we do?
Whilst we have set a deadline for application submissions, we hope to continue the fund on a rolling basis for these types of projects. We encourage you to apply, but you must obtain necessary permissions before commencing works.
Q. How do I choose between the three quotes I've sourced?
There are many considerations that you should take into account when sourcing a supplier. This includes assurances given, value for money, service level, and so on. Ultimately, you should select a supplier you trust, and be prepared to explain your rationale in the application.
If you'd like assistance in assessing suppliers, please get in touch at environmental.strategy@houslow.gov.uk. For renewable projects, also see Energy Saving Trust guidance for further considerations on quotes.
Q. I’ve submitted my bid, what happens next?
Community groups should be informed about the status of their bid by the end of April 2025. Unsuccessful bids will receive feedback on their application and are encouraged to revise and resubmit.
Q. How will my funding be released if my bid is successful?
Upon signing the grant agreement, 50% of the funding will be released, with the remaining 50% provided upon reaching key milestones of the project plan, as agreed.
For any further questions or application assistance, please contact us at environmental.strategy@hounslow.co.uk.
Please be aware that if you contact us within a week of a fund deadline, we may not be able to respond in time so please contact us as early in the process as possible.
