ECO4
What is it?
ECO4 is a government scheme that offers support to low-income households in improving energy efficiency. By applying to ECO4, you have the opportunity to receive whole house retrofit support, funded by your energy suppliers.
ECO4 home improvements may include, but are not limited to:
- Cavity wall insulation
- External wall insulation
- Room in roof insulation
- Heat pumps
- Solar energy panels
- Electric storage heaters
- Double glazing
- Boiler upgrades
- Internal wall insulation
1.Your household must receive at least one of the following government assisted benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefits
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
2.The EPC rating for your home must be D, E, F, or G
You can apply for ECO4 and GBIS through Better Housing Better Health or by calling 0800 107 0044.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
In order to assist homeowners in improving their home’s energy efficiency and lowering their energy costs, the government has developed alongside the ECO4 scheme a new grant programme, The Great British Insulation Scheme.
A general eligibility group, which includes properties in the lower council tax categories, will be part of GBIS’ support scheme and will focus on the least energy efficient performing homes.
GBIS will focus completely on insulation measures, namely loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
To be eligible for GBIS grant funding:
- the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your house must have a D-G rating
- you must be in English council tax bands A-D
- your EPC rating is the official recognition of the energy efficiency of your property
GBIS is not open to applications for mobile homes or park homes
You can apply for ECO4 and GBIS through Better Housing Better Health or by calling 0800 107 0044.
Better Housing Better Health
Better Housing Better Health provides a helpline to residents for assistance with ECO4 and GBIS funding, energy-switching advice, fuel vouchers and small grants.
For more information, visit Better Housing Better Health.
Essex Energy Switch
The Essex Energy Switch is a group buying scheme for gas and electricity.
It brings people together in search of a better deal on their energy bills, this collective buying power helping to drive down prices offered. An auction is held where energy suppliers bid to offer the lowest energy tariff to residents.
There is no obligation for residents to accept the offered tariff if it isn't beneficial for you. The added bonus is that all energy suppliers must offer 100% renewable electricity.
For more information, visit the Essex Energy Switch website.
Switch Together Essex
Switching to an air source heat pump can keep your home warm, while reducing your carbon footprint.
We have partnered with Switch Together Essex to help you find quality heat pump installations at a competitive price. They operate a group buying model. By grouping people together they can invite vetted installers to bid on offering the most competitive price to Essex residents.
Switch Together Essex only works with experienced, trustworthy and high-quality installers. There is no obligation to buy after you have received your quote.
How Switch Together Essex works
1.You register for free online by 1 November 2024
2. Vetted installers will compete by bidding their best price
3. You will be emailed a personal offer detailing costs and specifications of a full heat pump system
4. If you decide to proceed, the installer will schedule a survey and complete the full installation
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a £7,500 grant for a new heat pump. Recent changes mean more people qualify. Heat pump installations are also currently VAT exempt, adding even more savings.
Check if you are eligible by visiting Gov.uk.