Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors are in line for a top-up payment of up to €3,000 in the Energy Efficiency Grant. Businesses in these sectors, who employ up to 50 people, are already eligible for a capital grant of up to €5,000 and now they will be eligible to apply for up to €8,000 in capital grant assistance to improve their energy efficiency.

The claim period for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) ended on Monday, 31 July. Qualifying businesses have until 30 September 2023 to make claims for the calendar months from September 2022 to July 2023. Claims cannot be made after this date.

The Government has confirmed that the 9% reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector has been extended to 31 August 2023. The reduced VAT rate will return to 13.5% from September 2023. Along with this, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) will be extended to the end of May 2023.

Interesting from the Financial Times last Friday regarding the outlook on the cost of energy and the impact of the conflict in Ukraine.

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) has been introduced by Finance Bill 2022 to assist businesses with increased energy costs over the winter months. Businesses can now register for this scheme through ROS and the portal to claim repayments will open next Monday 5th December 2022.

As announced in Budget 2023 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Budget package is designed to help businesses with escalating energy costs and to plan for the future.

Overall funding allocated to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Budget 2023 has increased by €36 million, to €940 million.