Energy-efficiency consultancy services

Tender description

The Scottish Government is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Service Provider, to undertake the delivery of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) in Scotland. The period of contract is from 1.4.2017 to 31.3.2020, with an option to extend for an additional period of 12 months to 31.3.2021. The Scottish Government is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Service Provider, to undertake the delivery of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) in Scotland. The main aim of CARES, free at the point of use, is to support the Scottish Government's ambitions, to enable communities and rural businesses to reap the benefits of a more localised energy approach. The main components of CARES are local energy ownership and shared ownership both of which are facilitated through a range of interventions summarised as follows: — Bespoke advice and support to eligible applicants on a broad range of issues involved in owning a renewable energy project, or taking a share in a commercial scheme. — Administration and management of a range of grant and loan support schemes, from start-up grants through to post planning capital loans to help projects reach financial closure and/or reach investor readiness. — The promotion of CARES which is mainly facilitated through a dedicated website and annual conference. — Support for a local energy systems approach, which is currently facilitated through the Local Energy Challenge Fund and the Infrastructure and Innovation Fund. The Service Provider shall be responsible for reviewing the support currently in place to ensure it can continue to deliver the Scottish Government's ambitions and targets. The requirement also includes: — Loans — Recovery of all existing loan repayments from current loan schemes, including those which have been closed or will no longer be available at the contract start date. — Grants — The need to ensure recipients comply with the terms and conditions of issue. — Administration and management including the processing, assessment and decision-making of applications received to the various funding programmes. — Support on complex financial matters associated with investing in a renewable energy and or low carbon project including the refinancing of operational projects. The period of contract is from 1.4.2017 to 31.3.2020, with an option to extend for an additional period of 12 months to 31.3.2021.