The ECO4 SCHEME:

Empowering Energy Efficiency in Your Home

The ECO4 scheme is a government initiative designed to help homeowners in Great Britain improve the energy efficiency of their homes. By offering grants and support for various energy-saving measures, ECO4 aims to create a more sustainable future while making homes warmer and more affordable to heat. This section will explore the different measures available under the scheme and how they can benefit you.

The ECO4 SCHEME:

Empowering Energy Efficiency in Your Home

Ready to unlock the potential of ECO4 for your home? Schedule a free consultation with our Anderson Energy Projects experts today to discuss your options and eligibility.

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Making Homes Warmer & Affordable for Low-Income Households

Launched in 2013, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme has played a significant role in improving energy efficiency in UK homes. ECO4, the latest iteration, builds upon this success with a specific focus on supporting low-income households that might not otherwise be able to afford essential upgrades.

Reaching More People Through ECO4

Recognizing the ongoing need, the government has extended the ECO grant until March 2026. This extended timeframe allows for reaching a wider population and making a more substantial impact.

Tailored Support for Diverse Needs

ECO4 goes beyond simply extending the program. The eligibility criteria have been revised to identify and support low-income families who may not qualify for traditional benefits. This acknowledgement of a broader spectrum of need within the low-income bracket allows ECO4 to be more inclusive and impactful.

Local Authority Flexibility: Expanding Reach

The ECO4 report highlights that nearly half of fuel-poor households don't receive benefits. To address this gap, local authorities have been granted increased flexibility in delivering the scheme. This empowers them to target specific low-income groups within their jurisdictions, ensuring a wider reach and a more tailored approach to tackling fuel poverty.

By combining extended program duration, revised eligibility criteria, and local authority flexibility, ECO4 aims to empower a greater number of low-income households in achieving a warmer and more energy-efficient living environment.

Types of ECO4

Grants Available

Insulation Grant: Under this grant, properties can receive insulation improvements, including:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Solid Wall Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation

Boiler Grant: This grant allows homeowners to upgrade their boilers by replacing old, inefficient models with the latest A-grade boilers.

Heat Pump Grant: This grant supports the installation of heat pumps, which are energy-efficient heating systems. Heat pumps extract heat from the environment (air, ground, or water) and use it to warm your home. They are a sustainable alternative to traditional heating methods

Central Heating System Grant: Homeowners can benefit from grants to upgrade their central heating systems. This includes replacing inefficient boilers, installing heating controls (such as smart thermostats), and improving overall heating efficiency.

Why & How the ECO4 Scheme Started?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-funded scheme that aims to make UK homes more energy-efficient and tackle fuel poverty. ECO4 is the fourth phase of the scheme, which started in April 2022 and will run until March 2026.

The primary goal of ECO4 is to support low-income households who are unable to upgrade their homes and heating systems. Since its introduction in 2013, over 3.1 million home improvements have been made under the scheme.

ECO4 is different from ECO3 in that it aims to reach more people during this final stage. The government has extended the ECO grant for an extra four years, meaning it will run until March 2026.

The eligibility criteria for ECO4 have also changed, with the government looking for ways to help low-income families who aren’t receiving benefits.

The ECO4 report states that 46.1% of fuel-poor households are not in receipt of benefits. To support these low-income groups, the government has expanded and reformed local authority flexibility, so that suppliers can deliver up to 50% of their obligation via that route.

Claim Your Free Boiler & Insulation

Qualifying households may be eligible for free boiler replacements and insulation upgrades, making your home warmer and more affordable to heat.

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible for the ECO4 scheme?

You (tenant or homeowner) may be eligible if you receive certain benefits like Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Universal Credit, and if your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. We can help you check your eligibility during a free home energy assessment.

What types of properties and heating systems are eligible for ECO4?

ECO4 primarily targets private, owner-occupied homes and private rented homes. In some cases, social housing and park homes might also qualify.

Property Type and Heating System: The property’s EPC rating must be D, E, F, or G. Energy companies can allocate only 15% of their funding to Band D properties, so applications are accepted primarily for E, F, or G-rated properties.

Additionally:

◘ The main heating system can be gas central heating, LPG central heating, electric heating, oil central heating, or renewable heating.

◘ The property may have a separate hot water cylinder and insulation in the loft.

◘ Wall type (solid brick, cavity, or stone) and wall insulation are considered.

◘ The benefit received and heating options available also impact eligibility.

Are there income-related restrictions for ECO4?

Certainly! The ECO4 scheme considers income-related criteria to determine eligibility. Here are the key points:

Recipient of State Aid or Benefits: To qualify, the tenant or homeowner must receive one of the following:

◘ Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

◘ Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

◘ Income Support (IS)

◘ Pension Credit Guarantee

◘ Working Tax Credit (WTC)

◘ Child Tax Credits (CTC)

◘ Universal Credit (UC)

◘ Housing Benefit

◘ Pension Credit Savings (newly eligible for ECO4)*

◘ Local Authority FLEX & LADS (for homeowners not receiving aid but facing budget constraints) .

COVERAGE

What does the ECO4 Scheme cover?

The ECO4 scheme covers a range of energy efficiency measures in homes. Here are some of the key areas it addresses:

INSULATION

◙ Cavity Wall Insulation: Filling the gap between inner and outer walls to reduce heat loss.

◙ Loft Insulation: Adding insulation material to the loft space to prevent heat escape.

◙ Solid Wall Insulation: Improving insulation for solid walls (external or internal).

◙ Underfloor Insulation: Enhancing insulation beneath floors.

HEATING SYSTEMS

◙ Boiler Replacement: Upgrading inefficient boilers with energy-efficient models.

◙ Heating Controls: Installing smart thermostats, timers, and zone controls.

◙ Renewable Heating Systems: Promoting heat pumps, solar thermal, and biomass boilers.

WINDOWS & DOORS

◙ Double Glazing: Replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones.

◙ Draught-Proofing: Sealing gaps around doors and windows to prevent cold air infiltration.

OTHER MEASURES

◙ Hot Water Cylinder Insulation: Improving insulation around hot water cylinders.

◙ Smart Meters: Installing smart meters to monitor energy usage.

◙ Energy Advice: Providing guidance on energy-saving practices.

Are there other grants that can complement with ECO4 funding?

While ECO4 can't be combined with certain government grants like the Warm Home Discount or Boiler Upgrade Scheme, there are other options available.

If your ECO4 work hasn't started yet, you might be eligible for additional grants that complement your ECO4 upgrades and further improve your home's energy efficiency.

Here's what you can do:

◙ Check the completion timeline for your ECO4 installation.

◙ Research other government grants like the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund or Home Upgrade Grant (subject to availability). These grants might offer support for specific energy-saving measures not covered by ECO4.

By exploring all possibilities, you can maximise your home's energy efficiency and potentially save even more on your energy bills!

GRANTS & FUNDING

What types of grants are available under the ECO4 Scheme?

There are various grants available for a range of energy-saving measures, including insulation, boiler upgrades, solar panels, heat pumps, and more.

How much funding can I receive through ECO4?

The amount of funding you receive depends on your specific circumstances and the type of upgrades you need.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No, you typically don't need to pay anything upfront for approved ECO4 upgrades. Our team will handle securing the funding and managing the entire installation process for you.