The TBESS, as announced in Budget 2023, will assist businesses with their energy costs during the winter months. The scheme will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners. However, there was some miscommunication on the scheme in the lead up to its opening for applications on 5th December.
This Government is intent on supporting Businesses through this difficult time and I was very concerned to read reports that some businesses felt obstacles were being placed in their way to access TBESS support.
I sought clarification and understand that the concerns surrounded an error in the statement on the TBESS declaration to be signed by applicants. Initially, it read ‘as an applicant of the TBESS, my business is required to complete a carbon footprint exercise’. This has been amended to the following:
'I acknowledge that as an applicant of the TBESS, I am being asked to take steps to understand and reduce my energy use by completing the Climate Toolkit 4 Business. I understand that this is not a legal requirement and will have no impact on my assessment for eligibility under this scheme but that it is part of Government policy to increase awareness of and provide guidance for energy use reduction and environmental impact'.
I am happy to clarify that the TBESS application process is not contingent on engagement on climate action. However, businesses are increasingly aware that climate action and sustainability principles are good for business and are increasingly requested by consumers. The free Climate Toolkit is an excellent resource and good place to start but its use is not mandated for eligibility under the TBESS.
Revenue has opened the TBESS online system for registrations and submission of claims under the TBESS scheme.
I understand that payments under the scheme will be made once Finance Bill 2022, which contains the legislation underpinning the scheme, is enacted this month.