New Climate Change Agreements scheme opens for applications from existing sectors    

This initial window is the first opportunity to apply to the future Climate Change Agreements (CCA) scheme starting in 2026.  

What is the CCA scheme?

This voluntary scheme allows holders of climate change agreements to claim a discount on the Climate Change Levy (CCL) – a tax on energy use in industry, commerce and the public sector. In turn, participants must meet energy efficiency improvement targets which have been agreed between government and sector associations.   

The CCA scheme is administered by the Environment Agency on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for the whole of the UK.  

What is the latest?

The Environment Agency strongly recommends sector users submit their applications as soon as possible. The new entrant window will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 30 September.  

After this date, the Environment Agency may need to temporarily restrict new workflows. However, sector users will be able to apply, and agreements can be issued to the operators of eligible facilities after the new CCA scheme starts in 2026.   

How can Inspired help?

This long-anticipated announcement places all organisations from existing sectors on the same starting line. Whether you are a seasoned participant or have just heard of the opportunity – now is the time to act.  

Each CCA application is a unique, comprehensive and complex technical exercise. Inspired can help you claim your CCL discount through the new scheme. Our fully managed levy exemption service includes:    

• Eligibility assessment: We will determine which levies your organisation could apply for and recommend next steps.
• Technical assessment: We will assess your organisation’s processes to ascertain the maximum exemption attainable.    
• Application: We’ll complete your application(s); reclaim any historical savings you are entitled to as well as secure maximum ongoing savings.   
• Ongoing obligations: We will take care of your ongoing commitments, including review, administration, reporting and validation – lessening your administrative burden.  

Other opportunities we can help you pursue include:  

• Mineralogical & Metallurgical (MinMet), where taxable commodities used in mineralogical or metallurgical processes are exempt from the main rates of climate change levy. 
• Energy Intensive Industries (EII) Exemption, which seeks to reduce qualifying business activity non-commodity energy costs. 

Moreover, now is an opportune time to examine how non-commodity costs impact your portfolio – and if there is money to be recovered or saved for your organisation. 

Our Forensic Energy Cost Audit will scrutinise all your non-commodity costs – not just levy exemptions. Our experts will analyse your present and past energy non-commodity costs for past errors of up to six years prior, and you could also benefit from ongoing savings. This service operates on a share of savings-basis, so if we find nothing – there is no fee.