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
To apply for ECO4 and GBIS energy efficiency grant funding, complete the application form here: Energy Efficiency Grants | HEAT ESSEX | Carbon Saving
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
To apply for ECO4 and GBIS energy efficiency grant funding, complete the application form here: Energy Efficiency Grants | HEAT ESSEX | Carbon Saving
Better Housing Better Health
Better Housing Better Health provides a helpline to residents for assistance with energy-switching advice, fuel vouchers and small grants.
For more information, visit Better Housing Better Health.
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.
The following schemes are for homeowners and/or small to medium enterprises seeking more affordable and renewable energy for their homes/business and to reduce the homes carbon footprint:
Solar Together (Homeowners & SMEs)
Solar Together Essex Open Now
Solar Together Essex is as a county-wide collective purchasing scheme. It provides homeowners, and small/medium enterprises with affordable installation of solar panels and battery storage systems through a group discount from trusted suppliers.
Solar panels are an intelligent investment, helping residents to save money on their future energy bills and be less reliant on energy suppliers. It is also an effective way of reducing carbon emissions.
Battery storage and EV charging points are also available under the scheme
Having solar panels installed is one way to contributing to a greener and brighter future for our county and our aim to bring all greenhouse gas emissions in Essex to net zero by 2050.
How does Solar Together Essex work?
Solar Together Essex allows a group of consumers to band together to negotiate a better price. iChoosr manages this scheme on behalf of Essex County Council and Rochford District Council residents.
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
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