The ECO3 scheme established in 2013, is designed to enhance the energy efficiency of homes in the UK, in order for the Government to meet energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction targets by 2022.
As we get closer to 2022, the energy companies are ramping up their efforts to ensure they meet the targets set out by the Government or they could face hefty fines.
However, unless you know someone, who knows about the ECO3 grant, there is little chance you will have heard about it. So how do you know if you are eligible or not?!
For those who meet the eligibility criteria for the ECO3 Grant outlined below, an ECO3 Grant means that you could receive 100% funding for energy efficiency improvements to your home. Making the property more energy efficient and ultimately cheaper to run.
Below is a list of some of the measures that can be put in place to help improve your homes energy efficiency:
- Cavity, Wall & Loft Insulation
- Electrical Heating Upgrade
- Gas Boiler Upgrade
- Doors & Windows
Who is eligible for a ECO3 Grant?
To receive 100% funding for the ECO3 Grant you and your property, whether you are the homeowner or tenant, must meet both of the criteria’s set out below or alternatively check the eligibility checker.
Do you the homeowner or the tenant qualify for an ECO3 Grant?
The occupant of the property must be the recipient of one of the following benefits, credits or allowance listed below:
Child Benefit as long as the income does not exceed:
Single Parents:
- 1 child = £18.5k
- 2 child = £23k
- 3 child = £27.5k
- 4+ child = £32k
Dual Parent Household:
- 1 child = £25.5k
- 2 child = £30k
- 3 child = £34.5k
- 4+ child = £39k
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Personal Independence Payment
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
- Universal Credit
Does your property qualify for an ECO3 Grant?
The properties current EPC rating should be either E, F and G. You can check the properties EPC Rating here, you will need your postcode and house number. Below is an example of what the report will look like:
Properties with an EPC rating of D would be considered if the current heating system were electric. It is OK to have a gas boiler for hot water, but the main source of heat for the property must be electric (panel heaters or little or no insulation).
The property should be in good repair and habitable.
If you and your property are a match for the ECO3 Grant, what happens next?
If you and your property both meet the criteria, the grant works on a first come, first serve basis so don’t delay as funding will run out.
A free energy efficiency survey will be carried out at the property, which will confirm which measure are required to improve your home and secure your grant.
Once the grant is secured, work will be carried out at a time that is convenient to you, with little or no disruption to your daily routine. Most works are completed in less than 3 days.
It is important to note that if you are the tenant your landlord will need to be notified of the upgrades. The ECO3 Grant should be seen as a benefit to both you as the tenant, as it will reduce bills, and to the Landlord as it could increase the value of the property.
There is no cap on the ECO3 grant, and all recommendations will be implemented. The aim is to bring properties up to an EPC reading of B or A, which will considerably reduce energy bills.
Make your home more energy efficient with an ECO3 grant, check your eligibility and let the experts do the rest.
If you are not eligible for the ECO3 Grant, then take a look at the Green Homes Grant or got to simple energy advise for ideas on how you can improve your homes efficiency.