Everything you need to know about ECO4 grants
ECO4 is a new phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, a government initiative that has been designed to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. The scheme provides financial assistance to vulnerable and low-income householders who want to install energy saving measures in their home. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the ECO4 scheme. We will provide an overview of the scheme, and we will also discuss the eligibility criteria, and how you can apply for financial assistance.
What ECO4 grants are and how they work
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a government initiative that was launched in 2013. The scheme has had a number of phases, and the final phase of the scheme (called ECO4) starts in July 2022 and will run until March 2026. Under the scheme, eligible householders can receive home improvement grants that increase the energy efficiency of their home. The types of measures that can be funded include insulation, boiler replacement (non-condensing boilers only), draught proofing, electric heating, heat pumps, insulation and solar PV.
Who is eligible for ECO4 grants
To be eligible for an ECO4 grant, you must meet the following criteria:
– You must be a householder who owns or rents their home
and
– Your home must have an EPC rating of band D or below
and
– You must have received one of the following benefits within 18 months of the installation:
- Child Benefit*
- Child Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
- Income Based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
*If you only claim Child Benefit, you will also need to meet income criteria (you don’t need to meet the income requirements if you have claimed any of the other benefits above).
or
– You must meet your local authorities ‘local authority flexible energy’ (LA Flex) rules. If you have a household income of less than £35,000 and if you are vulnerable or have a health condition it is worth checking whether you are eligible (we can help with this).
When will ECO4 grants be available
The ECO4 scheme is funded until March 2026 and installers are accepting applications right now. In order to receive a grant under the scheme, you must apply to a registered installer such as ourselves at Eco Providers. Registered installers have access to the grant scheme and can submit applications on your behalf.
If you think you may be eligible for an ECO4 grant, contact us today and one of our team will be happy to provide further advice. We can help with the whole process by making it stress free and simple for you. We’ll also be on hand to offer any advice and guidance that you may need along the way.
How to apply for an ECO4 grant
The application process is simple and takes less than 30 seconds. The first step is to complete an application form or make an enquiry with a registered installer such as ourselves at Eco Providers. We will then assess your property, recommend the most suitable measures for you, and let you know what your options are. As well as conducting and energy assessment of your property, we also include a free ventilation and insulation assessment as part of the process.
After your initial assessment, one of our team will provide you with a personalised report which includes an estimate of the costs and benefits of the recommended measures. If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll then arrange for a surveyor to visit your property to carry out a more detailed assessment.
So what are you waiting for? Check eligibility for these generous grants in 30 seconds or less (no obligation and free assessment of options).
The benefits of receiving an ECO4 grant
The ECO4 scheme is a great way to save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable and cheaper to heat. The scheme also offers additional benefits such as:
- Improving the value of your property
- Making your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly
- Reducing your carbon footprint
- Helping to protect the environment.
If eligible, the grants are very generous and can cover up to 100% of the costs of your energy efficiency improvements.
You can find out more about the ECO4 scheme and how it could benefit you by visiting our website, or speaking to one of our friendly team members. We’re always happy to help!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and let us help you take advantage of the ECO Scheme before it ends.
Frequently asked questions about ECO4 grants
How is ECO4 different from ECO3?
The main difference with ECO4 is that the range of different measures or grants have increased. This could mean you get more money towards improvements, as ECO4 takes s ‘whole-house’ approach to energy efficiency. There are also changes to the benefits that qualify, and an increased allocation for people that don’t claim benefits (in ECO3 only 10% of applicants could apply through flexible energy rules whereas in ECO4 up to 50% of applicants can apply even if they don’t claim benefits). The new phase also requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower whereas in ECO3 there weren’t any EPC requirements.
What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to help domestic customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes, especially those who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty. ECO is part of the UK Government’s strategy to meet its carbon reduction commitments under climate change legislation.
What benefits qualify for ECO4?
The benefits that qualify for ECO4 include:
- Child Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
- Income Based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
You don’t need to be currently claiming to apply, providingyou had a successful award within 18 months prior to the grant install. Thiswill be a big relief for Universal Credit claimants who have varying monthlypayments, and don’t necessarily receive benefit payments every month.
Please note that claiming Child Benefit will also qualifyyou, but if you only receive Child Benefit payments you will also need to meetthe following income rules:
If your Child Benefit claim is for a single adult the following annual household income limits apply:
with 1 child: £19,800
with 2 children: £24,600
with 3 children: £29,400
with 4 or more children: £34,200
If your Child Benefit claim is for a couple the following annual household income limits apply:
with 1 child: £27,300
with 2 children: £32,100
with 3 children: £36,900
with 4 or more children: £31,700
What measure types will be eligible?
The measure types which will currently qualify are:
- Cavity wall insulation
- First-time central heating
- Heating controls
- Loft insulation
- Replacement boilers (boilers must be A-rated for energy efficiency) where there is a non-condensing boiler
- Roof insulation
- Solar Thermal and Solar PV
- Solid wall insulation (either internal or external)
- and more!
As noted earlier, the ECO registered installer must be approved by the government to provide the required energy efficiency improvements (Eco Providers are a registered installer).
Which energy companies offer ECO?
ECO grants are currently funded by all major energy companies including:
- British Gas
- EDF Energy
- E.ON UK
- npower
- Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE)
- Scottish Power
- Southern Electric
These energy companies instruct registered installers to administer and install the grants on their behalf.
What kind of insulation will a grant cover?
The type of insulation installed will depend on the construction of your home. The most common types of insulation are:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation (including top-up)
- Floor Insulation
- Wall Insulation
That’s a quick overview of ECO4 grants – who pays for them, what they fund, when you can apply and some of the benefits. If you want more information or have any questions, head over to our website where we have all the details on eligibility and how to apply. And remember, applications are being accepted now so don’t wait! Apply now in just 30 seconds or less.