Many clients have been asking about the Temporary Business Energy Scheme (TBESS) in recent weeks. We have summarised the key things you will need to understand this support scheme below.

What is the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme?

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced by the government in the 2023 Budget to support businesses struggling with increased energy costs over the winter months from 1st September 2022 to 28th February 2023. If you are a small business owner facing increased energy costs, then read on!

How does the TBESS operate?

In order to apply for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), you will need to prove that your average monthly unit rate has increased by at least 50% when compared with the same period last year. If so, TBESS will offer financial assistance up to 40% of the additional cost.

The comparison period is the month 12 months prior to the claim period. E.g. September 2022 versus September 2021 and so on.

Business owners must provide details of their electricity or natural gas energy bills and calculate the reference unit price based on the energy bills documentation provided. Revenue will review the average unit price of the energy cost in the comparison period before allowing the claim to be processed.

Your business can make a claim under the scheme if you meet the following criteria:

• is tax compliant. This means there is an available active Tax Clearance Certificate

• small busines owner that carries on a Case I trader or Case II profession. This includes charities and approved sporting bodies that carry on certain activities.

• has experienced a significant increase of 50% or more in its electricity and/or natural gas average unit price.

A monthly cap of €10,000 applies, €30,000 where there are multiple locations.

How to register for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme

Applications for the TBESS can be submitted using ROS beginning on the weekend of 26-27 November 2022

Business owners must also prove that they are tax compliant before applying to the scheme. This means the applicant must have an active Tax Clearance Certificate in place at the point of submitting the application.

Further Reading

Revenue has published a guideline which can be found here

If you are a small business owner who needs help submitting a claim, feel free to reach out to us Here at Around Finance.