Energy efficiency has become a big talking point in the UK, mainly because of the continued increase in national gas and electricity prices. Did you know, your energy bills have probably doubled since 2004, and experts are suggesting they’ll likely double again by 2020?
Well, it’s about time you did something to counter the price hikes and tackled inefficiency in your own home. And the good news is, this has been made all the more easier because of a new Energy Company Obligation Scheme.
What is the Energy Company Obligation?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a Government-run scheme, dedicated to helping homeowners in the UK become more energy efficient. The scheme targets the most vulnerable of households, whether it’s because of a low income or inadequate energy efficiency measures in place, offering free grants for insulation.
Often insulation is avoided because of the expense, but with the ECO scheme you could be eligible to have measures implemented with no charge. This could be a replacement boiler or wall cavity insulation.
The ECO scheme was launched in line with the Coalition’s flagship energy efficiency programme: The Green Deal. And together, both schemes are in place to slash carbon emissions and meet 2050 targets.
The scheme is primarily funded by the big six energy companies, which include npower and British Gas. It’s expected to last until at least March 2015, with over £1.3bn provided in funding annually. an assessment will be carried out on your property to confirm eligibility, similar to that of the Green Deal.
Can I qualify for the ECO funding?
There are three parts to the ECO scheme’s funding, which homeowners and tenants in the UK can apply for:
- Affordable Warmth
This part of the ECO scheme is dedicated to tackling fuel poverty in the country, in an effort to make it more affordable to heat the home. Fuel poverty is clarified by 10% or more of a household’s income being spent on dual fuel energy bills. If this sounds like you, then it’s something you could richly benefit from. The Affordable Warmth strand accommodates the replacement of inefficient boilers with A-rated equivalents. Old and non-efficient boilers can be working at just 70%, which is wasting £300 and more on bills every single year. Replacing the boiler is a great way to address your own financial burden. To find out if you can get a free eco boiler visit http://www.eco-boiler.org.uk.
- The Carbon Reduction Obligation (CERO)
The CERO strand of ECO is designed to target homes which are otherwise known as hard to treat. These properties are typically unsuitable for insulation work so you’ll likely be entitled to free Green Deal measures, including home insulation. The walls of your home will be particularly focused on, so solid walls and hard to treat cavity walls will be insulated. Much of the heat you produce can be lost through inefficient walls, so with insulation, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced.
- Carbon Savings Community Obligation (CSCO)
If you live in a specific CSCO are you could be eligible for free heating efficiency grants for energy saving home improvements. This part of the scheme is dedicated to tackling the most vulnerable households in the UK, so find out if you could be eligible for free insulation.