Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Bath

Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has worked with Bath residents over the last few years to reduce their energy costs and help with the larger initiative to cut carbon emissions in the UK.

We are dedicated to helping residents of Bath and North East Somerset receive the funding they are entitled to, with both ECO4 (supported by LA Flex) and The Great British Insulation Scheme accessible to qualifying families.

So how and why do we do this?

To help the UK government reach its goal of Net Zero emissions, the ECO4 scheme and other government-backed initiatives have been launched. We at Consumer Rights are dedicated to helping households take advantage of these options in order to achieve this goal.

The average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for properties in the Bath area is in band D or E, which is roughly in line with the national average. In order to comply with current rules, private rental houses in Bath must have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E on the EPC Register.

Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.


Through government-backed programs like ECO4 and GBIS, Consumer Rights CIC have been actively helping people of Bath improve the EPC rating of their properties.

Bath has a varied and historic housing stock which makes these projects especially important.

Bath, England, has a housing stock that includes historic Georgian terraces, semi-detached homes, and newer flats.  In Bath a great amount of their housing stock consists of older properties, many of which were built before 1919 with solid wall construction. These older homes are less energy efficient due to their traditional design and materials, making retrofitting a challenge. 

Solutions such as internal or external insulation and the use of breathable materials are often required to improve energy efficiency while preserving the historic character of these buildings. In contrast, newer properties built after 1985 tend to incorporate cavity walls and modern energy-efficient technologies.

Fuel poverty affects approximately one in eight households in Bath, with some areas experiencing higher rates due to socioeconomic disparities. 

Efforts to improve energy efficiency in the area include initiatives aimed at retrofitting older homes to reduce carbon emissions and heating costs. Projects often focus on upgrading boilers, installing insulation, and implementing other energy-saving measures tailored to the unique challenges of Bath’s historic housing stock. These efforts are critical for addressing both environmental concerns and the issue of fuel poverty in the region.

EPC Ratings for Bath

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): Approximately 40% of homes in Bath and North East Somerset have an EPC rating of C or above, based on recent national trends. These properties are considered energy-efficient but may still benefit from further upgrades like solar panels or modern heating systems to improve their performance.
  • D (okay average efficiency): The most common EPC rating in Bath is likely band D, aligning with the national average. Many homes in this category are older properties with standard insulation and heating systems but could become more energy-efficient with targeted improvements.
  • E (poor efficiency): A significant number of properties in Bath have an E rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and likely higher energy bills. Many homes in this category are pre-1919 Georgian and Victorian buildings, which often have poor insulation and are energy inefficient due to their historic nature.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): While specific percentages for Bath are not provided, some properties fall into the F or G categories, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes, often historic or listed buildings, typically require significant upgrades to meet current energy standards and are likely to face the highest energy bills.

A property must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to qualify for government support through programs like ECO4. Many homes in the area may fit this first qualifying condition for energy efficiency improvement initiatives, since a significant amount of Bath’s housing stock falls into these lower bands.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights  is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the LA Flex Scheme, allowing you to install energy-saving measures in your residence. Determine your eligibility and submit an application.

How to Apply for ECO4 Funding:

1. Complete the Eligibility Checker
Visit our Eligibility Checker and use the tool to answer questions about your property and personal circumstances.

2. Centre Call Contact
After completing the checker, a member of our qualified contact centre team will call you. They will:

  • Discuss your property and the upgrades available.
  • Walk you through the application process.
  • Help gather any required documents.

      3. Property Survey and Upgrade Options

        • The team will arrange for a survey of your property to assess the upgrades that can be offered.
        • ]If you want to proceed, they will schedule a time to carry out the necessary work.

          If you think you may be eligible for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.