What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government energy-efficiency scheme in Great Britain, designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. ECO is an obligation placed on energy companies to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises.
Did you know you can check online to see if you qualify for free funding from the UK Government towards insulating your home?
Applications to the £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme are now open.
And, according to the government, the funding could save eligible homeowners on average up to £400 a year on their energy bills.
Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The scheme aims to upgrade the least energy efficient homes in Great Britain. The scheme will enable up to 300,000 households in England, Scotland and Wales to add insulation to their homes to make them easier to heat for less.
Who is eligible to apply to the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The scheme is aimed at two main groups:
Those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating D-G and within council tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Householders receiving qualifying benefits and living in homes with an EPC rating of D or below.
Should I apply to the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Yes, absolutely. We’d encourage everyone who is eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme to apply. As we approach the colder winter months, the more households that get support at this crucial time the better.
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency.
How is this scheme different to ECO4?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is designed to be complementary to ECO4. Unlike ECO4’s whole-house approach, the Great British Insulation Scheme will mostly focus on delivering single lower-cost insulation measures, such as loft insulation. This is so that as many households as possible get support through the scheme quickly.
FAQ
You don’t get money in your hand to buy the insulation yourself. It’s all managed by your energy company.
You may be required to pay a contribution towards the cost but this will not be known until after the initial assessment of your home and will depend on the group you fall into.
Firstly, check you’re eligible by using a new online tool. You’ll be asked a series of questions, including where you live, the name of your energy supplier, the type of house you have and existing levels of insulation.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can also contact your energy supplier to find out.
You’re told immediately if you’re eligible or not. If you qualify for funding, a referral will be made to your energy supplier who will then get in contact with you about the next stage.
Your energy company will come visit your home and carry out an assessment. They will decide what sort of insulation you need and give you additional energy saving advice while they’re with you.
The government says that you may be asked to pay towards some of the costs. How much will depend on what’s being installed in your home and your circumstances.
If you’re a tenant and the property you rent qualifies for funding under the scheme, you will be eligible as long as you’ve got your landlord’s permission. The same applies to social housing tenants.
It will focus mainly on installing low-cost insulation measures including cavity wall insulation, external and internal solid wall insulation and loft insulation.