How has ECO+ evolved? How will it benefit UK homes with expensive bills? We have the answers.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme? What does it promise to deliver? The government’s latest Energy Company Obligation scheme has undergone a name change, with a renewed focus on cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, single energy efficiency measures that should drive down energy bills in lower council tax bands.
If you think that might include you, read on for a full explanation of energy efficiency improvements we can help deliver.
Why is it called the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Under this scheme, the government wants to focus on insulation as the quickest and cheapest method of improving as many houses as possible.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has rebranded the ECO+ scheme to the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) to focus the public’s attention on the cost-effective measures that, under this obligation, aim to improve the lives of over 300,000 households.
Therefore, loft insulation, solid wall insulation and insulating cavity walls will be the sole focus of this new scheme, which is now live!
When can I access the Great British Insulation Scheme funding?
Once the regulations of this scheme have all been approved by parliament, the £1 billion investment into this new scheme will be implemented and energy companies will be able to start rolling out energy-saving measures.
As soon as the GBIS is live, you can apply to receive improvements to your home’s energy efficiency via the following steps:
Check your eligibility with Residential Energy Services
Undergo a thorough survey of your property to assess energy use
We determine what improvements are needed
Insulation measures are rolled out in your home, creating cost savings and reducing carbon emissions
Does the Energy Company Obligation mean I don’t pay?
Installation measures under this scheme will save money; however, there may be a small upfront cost towards installation.
GBIS will target the poorest performing homes and will include a ‘general eligibility group’, covering homes in the lower council tax bands, with an EPC of D and below. Under the scheme, suppliers may offer to install a single retrofit insulation measure with the cost partially or fully subsidised.
It is expected that with these new measures, households will save up to around £310 a year on their energy bills.
Who is eligible for energy-saving improvements?
Any home in Great Britain that falls within council tax bands A to D in England (A – E in Scotland and Wales) with an energy performance certificate of D or below will be eligible.
Homes under this criteria are identified under the GBIS as the least energy-efficient homes, where potentially vulnerable households occupied by low-income families could be paying too much to run their heating system.
The aim is to increase the EPC rating in these low-income homes, future-proof the energy usage of these properties, save energy, reduce costs and make lives more comfortable for those that need it the most.
What about social housing and landlords?
Under this scheme, energy supplier contributions to new energy efficiency measures will be available to tenants living in properties with a low EPC rating. Social housing will also be included under this ECO scheme.
When can I apply for ECO funding?
As soon as the Great British Insulation Scheme has officially launched, more information will be available here.
If the eligibility criteria explained in this article include you, or if you’re still not sure, talk to Residential Energy Services to check your ECO scheme eligibility. Secure support for your home under the GBIS or an alternative current ECO scheme such as ECO4 in just a few minutes.
