Businesses urged to avail of vital energy support scheme

With many small businesses all over Donegal already reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the current high energy prices and supply uncertainty are creating further pressure on their survival.

Fears expressed by local councillors and representative groups have indicated that 2023 will be a very difficult time for businesses unless they get badly needed help.

They have been encouraged to look to the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) that has just opened for registration: https://www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/index.aspx

The scheme, which will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners, will assist businesses with their electricity or natural gas (energy) costs during the winter months.

Businesses can submit claims from December 5. The first payments from the TBESS will be available to business owners by the end of the year, once Finance Bill 2022 is enacted in December. 

The TBESS will assist qualifying businesses with their electricity or natural gas (energy) costs from September 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. Eligible businesses have been able to register for the TBESS, via the e-Registration facility in Revenue’s Online Service (ROS), since yesterday, Saturday, November 26.

A claim portal in respect of TBESS will be available via the eRepayments system on ROS in early December.

Welcoming the opening of the scheme, local minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalogue described the new scheme as "vital".

"The scheme will be vital for businesses and will ease the pressure that they face during the winter period. Businesses that qualify will get up to 40% of the additional costs they are facing, up to €10,000 per month until February.

“The high costs of energy are causing significant issues for businesses across the spectrum. Fianna Fáil has recognised this and has worked with our Government partners to implement this support scheme for businesses that have experienced significant increases in their gas and electricity bills.

“We are committed to supporting those who create local jobs in this country throughout this inflationary period.”

The details of the scheme show that businesses can make a claim under the scheme if it is tax compliant, carries on a Case I trade or Case II profession - this includes charities and approved sporting bodies that carry on certain activities and have experienced a significant increase of 50% or more in its electricity and/or natural gas average unit price.

Minister McConalogue has promised a hands-on approach if anyone needed assistance.

“I urge all eligible businesses across Donegal to apply for the scheme and if I can be of any assistance in the matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office,” he said.