18 July 2022
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The government has decided to temporarily close the Subsidy Scheme for Increasing the Sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SVM). In the past 2 months the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) received increasing signals of improper use of the scheme by some energy consultants and door-to-door salesmen. Entrepreneurs who have already incurred costs for advice and support for preservation measures can continue to apply for subsidies.
The cabinet decides to temporarily stop the scheme because of the large numbers of applications that entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are now submitting. The scheme will be given a new look with stricter quality requirements. The modified scheme should better support SMEs in taking energy efficiency measures. And further prevent improper use.
Improper use
The Cabinet believes it is important to continue to support SMEs in the climate and energy transition. At the same time, the government notes that the current scheme is not having the desired effect. Certain energy consultants are making improper use of the scheme's low threshold. In the past 2 months RVO, which implements the scheme, received reports of energy consultants providing advice of lower quality.
Energy consultants posing as RVO employees. Or who give misleading information. For example, by saying that it is mandatory to purchase energy advice. As a result SME's in particular are not being helped to become more sustainable.
Adjustment scheme
The government therefore decided to temporarily close the scheme with immediate effect. SMEs can still submit subsidy applications for consultancy and support costs for preservation measures they made before the closure (July 14, 2022).
Energy conservation has great social value. The government is now examining how the scheme can therefore reopen as soon as possible - and preferably this autumn. The scheme must still remain simple for SMEs, but at least stricter requirements are needed for energy advisors. And the quality of the advice and support.
The SVM
The SVM was created in 2021 to support SMEs with the cost of energy advice. The scheme was deliberately made as simple and accessible as possible. So that small entrepreneurs can focus on business. And not be saddled with unnecessary paperwork.
The scheme allows SMEs to receive a subsidy of 80% of the cost of advice and support. This applies to SMEs that do not fall under the Energy Saving Obligation. It concerns advice and support for taking conservation measures (up to a maximum of € 2,500).
Read the official notice on the website of RVO.