Energy Company Obligation Explained
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO, in short) offers Great Britain residents non-refundable financial support from your energy supplier if you choose to make your home more energy efficient.
In other words, you can have your home’s heating system or insulation upgrade fully funded through government energy grants! Read on to find out who is eligible to receive it and how Eco 4 Energy can help you apply and upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.
What is ECO funding?
Energy Company Obligation funding obligates energy suppliers to deliver power usage efficiency and heating measures to British households. As a result, households can keep their houses warmer, reduce their energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions.
Over 2.4 million energy efficient home improvements have been completed in around 1.8 million homes since the scheme launched in January 2013. The government report on Household Energy Efficiency shows that homes improved under ECO save, on average, £290 per year.
How does Energy Company Obligation work?
The plan requires obligated suppliers to work with installers like Eco 4 Energy to increase energy efficiency in your home through insulation and electric room heaters to electric storage heaters replacement grant, among other energy saving measures.
Step 1
Find out if you’re eligible to receive the grant below
Step 2
Our Energy Advisor books a no obligation survey followed by installation appointment if you qualify
Step 3
Find out if you’re eligible to receive the grant below
What energy efficiency improvements can be installed?
A variety of energy efficiency improvements can be installed under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme in the UK. These improvements are aimed at reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and making homes more comfortable and cost-effective to heat. Some common energy efficiency measures include:
- Loft insulation: Installing insulation in the loft space helps to prevent heat from escaping through the roof, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the home.
- Boiler replacements: Upgrading to a more efficient boiler can significantly reduce energy consumption and heating costs.
Qualifying benefits criteria for an ECO4 grant:
- Child Tax Credits
- Child Benefits
- Housing Benefit (NEW)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-based Employment & Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credits
- Pension Credit Saving Credits (NEW)
- Universal Credit
Who qualifies for an ECO grant?
The government grant is only available to homeowners (or private tenants who have permission from their landlord). You can check whether you qualify for the Energy Company Obligation ECO scheme by applying below. You are under no obligation to proceed with the installation at this stage.
Who is eligible for the ECO4 scheme?
Low-income and vulnerable households are given priority. An applicant must either own their house or have the permission of their landlord in order to qualify for the fund. One of the following benefits may qualify you for the ECO:
What energy efficiency improvements can be installed?
Yes, that is the whole point of the Energy Company Obligation scheme. As long as you meet the above criteria, you can have your home’s heating efficiency improved free of charge. If you’re eligible for the government grant, we can replace or install new insulation of loft, cavity wall, solid/internal wall, room in roof or replace your old electric radiators with modern energy efficient heater. However, you won’t be able to reclaim money back for any measures you may have installed yourself.
How much funding can I get?
The grant from Energy Company Obligation may as well be called Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation because it obligates the energy providers to improve the energy-efficiency of properties. How many improvements can be introduced to your property depends on your property’s EPC rating.
If you meet certain benefits, your energy efficiency improvements can be fully paid by your energy supplier (find out more about British Gas cavity wall insulation). Get in touch for further information and find out how we can help you. The lower it is (EPC rating D and below) the more likely you are to receive the grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government scheme that requires larger energy suppliers to help households improve their energy efficiency. The program aims to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty by providing funding for energy-saving measures.
Eligibility for the ECO scheme typically includes low-income households, vulnerable individuals, and those receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. Specific eligibility criteria can vary based on the type of support being offered.
ECO provides funding for various energy efficiency improvements, including insulation (loft, cavity wall, and solid wall), heating upgrades (such as new boilers), and measures to improve energy performance in homes.
To apply for support under the ECO scheme, you can contact your energy supplier or an accredited installer who is part of the ECO program. They will assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
In many cases, the measures funded under the ECO scheme are provided at no cost to eligible households. However, some households may be required to contribute a portion of the costs, depending on their specific circumstances and the measures being installed.
You can find an ECO-accredited installer by visiting the official government website or by asking your energy supplier for recommendations. Accredited installers are trained to carry out work that meets the standards set by the ECO scheme.
The time it takes to install energy-saving measures under the ECO scheme can vary depending on the type of work being done and the installer’s schedule. Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Yes, tenants may be eligible for support under the ECO scheme, but you will need to obtain permission from your landlord before any work can be carried out. The landlord may also have obligations to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
If your application for support under the ECO scheme is denied, you may be given reasons for the decision. You can often appeal the decision or seek advice on how to improve your application for future consideration.
The ECO scheme is available across the UK, but specific funding and eligibility criteria may vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s important to check the local guidelines applicable to your area.
The ECO scheme is funded by the larger energy suppliers, who are obligated to provide a certain amount of funding for energy efficiency measures as part of their regulatory requirements.