The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, a government-backed initiative, aims to enhance home energy efficiency without imposing financial burdens on eligible homeowners. Through ECO, homeowners can benefit from a range of measures including insulation, green heating systems, and solar panels, all aimed at reducing energy bills and fostering a more environmentally friendly and comfortable living environment.
By participating in the ECO scheme, eligible homeowners can access these measures at no cost, ensuring affordability and accessibility to energy-saving solutions. This initiative not only helps homeowners save on energy expenses but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in residential settings.
The ECO Scheme, initiated by the UK government in 2013, aims to enhance the energy efficiency of homes nationwide. It mandates energy suppliers to install cost-effective energy-saving solutions in vulnerable properties without imposing financial burdens on eligible homeowners. These solutions encompass various upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, boiler replacements, and solar panels. While some installations may involve a nominal fee, certain upgrades are provided at no cost.
Since its inception, the ECO scheme has successfully implemented over 3.6 million energy-efficient measures in more than 2.4 million homes across the UK. Notably, wall insulation has been the most prevalent improvement. Government estimates suggest that the scheme has resulted in nearly £20 billion in lifetime bill savings. Currently, the ECO4 Scheme, operational since April 2022, focuses on reducing household carbon emissions and providing energy-efficient measures to UK homes.
Under the ECO4 Scheme, eligible homes can access discounted or free home insulation, upgraded boilers, or green heating systems. To qualify, homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower, targeting the most energy-inefficient properties. The scheme, continuing until March 2026, aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing the energy efficiency of all housing stock by 2035. ECO4 builds upon previous initiatives like ECO3, with a stronger emphasis on low-income households and areas with high fuel poverty.
The ECO4 scheme offers various energy-saving solutions, including insulation upgrades, green heating systems like air-source heat pumps and biomass boilers, and repairs or upgrades to existing boilers. Notable differences from ECO3 include a heightened focus on vulnerable households and areas with high fuel poverty, along with a more targeted approach to households with low incomes. To qualify for the scheme, applicants must receive specific qualifying benefits and have a property with an EPC rating of D or lower. Homes with lower ratings will receive measures to improve their energy efficiency accordingly.
Under the ECO4 Scheme, the full list of qualifying benefits includes:
Applicants receiving qualifying benefits are eligible for the ECO4 Scheme, accessing energy-saving measures to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. Changes under ECO4 include an increase in the Child Benefit Income Threshold and the allocation of up to 50% of obligations through Local Authority Flexible Energy rules. Accessing ECO funds requires contacting energy suppliers directly to inquire about available measures.
Highly recommended! Great job done in excellent time. Nice team of guys, polite and friendly and left the property immaculate. Did exactly what they said they would without any catches, really is 100% without any cost to the customer, just a few cups of tea is all it cost me and my house is now fully insulated. Very happy.
I’m really pleased and impressed with the quality of work. Mike, Kenny, and Joe are extremely professional. The work was done with no fuss. They were fast, thorough, clean, polite and very respectful. Great bunch of lads who work well together. Highly recommended, was a pleasure having them here.
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