Save up to 80% on Energy costs with the ECO4 UK scheme

One of the main initiatives of the British government, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), was created as a strategic approach to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. This scheme requires the energy companies to enforce energy-saving systems in residential buildings. ECO gives energy suppliers the freedom to choose and finance retrofit projects, set funding amounts, and select Retrofit Coordinators and installers.

From starting its operations on April 1, 2022, EC04 will continue to run till March 31, 2026. ECO4 is focused on improving the energy efficiency of the least energy-efficient homes and those in fuel poverty, but those within bands D-G should be prioritized.

This is a radical change, as the ECO4 scheme Wales is making full upgrades to the least efficient homes under a multi-measure, whole-house retrofit policy. Another important aspect of ECO4 is the need to upgrade privately owned residences to E, F, and G energy efficiency, ensuring that the least efficient homes receive essential upgrades.

ECO4 is a new Minimum Requirement (MR) that requires that homes in D and E have their energy efficiency ratings improved to at least a band C. Also, the homes in F and G to at least a band D.The initiative is designed to encourage the installation of various energy-saving measures such as insulation, initial central heating, renewable heating, and a smart heating system.

The Government ECO4 scheme can fund a wide range of upgrades to enhance the energy efficiency of household properties, such as insulation, heating, glazing, and renewable energy systems. The particular enhancements that can be financed rely on the eligibility standards, the budget, and the choices of the energy companies.

a) Insulation measures

b) First-time central heating

c) Renewable heating, e.g, Solar system, Heat pump.

d) Change of Boilers with new heating controls.

e) Innovation measures (IMs)

ECO4 funding is mainly aimed at low-income and vulnerable households that might not be able to cover energy bills or live in cold and damp houses. Depending on the energy company, eligibility requirements may vary, but typically include location, age, income, property type, and health concerns. Energy firms also have the option of financing non-fuel-poor households upon fulfilling specific requirements.

The ECO4 government funding scheme is also eligible for pensioners to help them afford essential home upgrades affecting their health.

ECO4 funding is available to homeowners or individual tenants in the UK who receive benefits that are income-related at present. It means that you can get the financial aid provided by the ECO4 scheme as long as you meet the requirements to be a homeowner or private tenant while receiving income-related benefits.

Eligibility Criteria:

Child Tax Credits (CTC)

Child Benefits are based on Total Household Income.

Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA)

Employment and support allowance (ESA).

Income Support (IS)

Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

Universal Credit (UC)

Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate.

Working Tax Credit (WTC)

Housing Benefit

Saving credit on Pension Credit.

Under the ECO4 grant scheme, window glazing can be installed with a choice of either single to double or improved double glazing. It should be mentioned, though, that under the ECO4 scheme, energy companies are free to choose the type of retrofit projects and measure packages they will finance. Therefore, their eligibility for window glazing may vary depending on the energy company’s chosen measures.

Today, energy efficiency is a top priority not only due to environmental factors but also because it is cost-effective for homeowners and businesses. Although initial energy-saving upgrades might appear expensive, the UK government has implemented a number of programs to ease this economic stress so that a green future is accessible to all citizens.

ECO4: Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme

The ECO4 scheme is one of the pillars of the UK government’s vision in terms of improved home energy efficiency and a drop in carbon footprints. It is an initiative that requires the energy companies to set up funds dedicated to energy conservation initiatives aimed at serving eligible homes.

ECO4 government scheme primarily focuses on:

Low-income households.

Properties have unique problems, e.g., older buildings with solid walls.

Benefits:

Free or partially subsidized installations of insulation.

Modifications of effective heating systems.

Other energy-efficient initiatives are designed to meet the needs of individual properties.

Great Britain Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The GBIS program emphasizes the need to have adequate insulation to optimize the use of energy. With attention to the thermal integrity of houses, GBIS will reduce excessive heat loss, which will consequently reduce the amount of energy used.

GBIS primarily supports:

Fitting of cavity wall insulation.

Improvements in loft insulation.

Financial benefits

Benefits:

Significant heating bill savings.

Better quality of life, having the same temperatures throughout the year.

For the ECO4 scheme gov uk can even pay 100 percent of the cost, so energy-saving activities are free of charge to homeowners and tenants.

IPlease send an email to info@s6energy.co.uk if you have any more questions.