At a time when farmers and growers are facing increasing exposure to higher energy costs, this announcement from BEIS could not be more welcome, writes Claire Harty with NFU Energy.
What is it?
The Government offers a discount on the Climate Change Levy (CCL) for those who enter into a Climate Change Agreement (CCA).
Any operator of a facility that carries out eligible indoor pig rearing, poultry rearing or protected horticulture processes and wishes to enter into a CCA must do so through the sector’s trade association. the NFU administrates on behalf of the big energy using sectors; Pigs, Poultry and Horticulture, making the application directly to the Environment Agency on the customers behalf.
Why should I join?
NFU has saved the sectors millions in CCL exemptions since the introduction of the scheme in 2001 and this new entrant window is only open for 4 months. From 1st April, the CCL charge on gas increases from 0.465p/kWh to 0.568p/kWh – that’s a 22% increase – and the discount available increases from 83% to 86%. Operators of heated and / or lit greenhouses, especially using LPG or gas and electricity from the grid, should get in touch to find out how much they could save from entering into a Climate Change Agreement.
How do I go about it?
Time is very short – NFU needs to know who’s interested by the end of February latest in order to process applications before the deadline. Savings can be substantial, so growers can call us to find out if they are eligible for the scheme today on 024 7669 6512.
Claire Hartry, Marketing Executive
NFU Energyclaire.harty@nfu-energy.com
024 7669 6512
www.nfuenergy.co.uk