ECO4 has closed to new applications — here's the help you can get now
ECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.
In summary
Working with Bristol residents for the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has helped people reduce their energy costs and support the UK's carbon reduction initiatives. We are dedicated to making sure Bristol residents can obtain the funds they are eligible for, with ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) accessible to eligible homes.
Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Bristol
Working with Bristol residents for the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has helped people reduce their energy costs and support the UK’s carbon reduction initiatives.
We are dedicated to making sure Bristol residents can obtain the funds they are eligible for, with ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) accessible to eligible homes.
So how and why do we do this?
The UK Government has launched the ECO4 scheme and other grant initiatives to support its Net Zero emissions target. Consumer Rights is committed to helping achieve this goal.
More than half of Bristol’s homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, with the median EPC score being 67, slightly below the national average.
Consumer Rights has been assisting Bristol residents in improving their property’s EPC rating by utilizing government-backed schemes, such as ECO4, and local initiatives that focus on energy efficiency.
In England, the average EPC score is 68, which falls into band D.
It is important to note that all private rental properties in England, including Bristol, must have a minimum EPC rating of band E to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot be legally rented out unless they have a valid exemption registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register.
While Bristol’s energy efficiency still needs improvement, progress has been made. The percentage of properties with an EPC rating below band C decreased from 72% in 2013-2017 to 57% in 2018-2022. Furthermore, the UK government is considering increasing the minimum EPC requirement for rental properties to band C by 2030 to improve housing energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Insulation improvements are central to reducing heat loss in Bristol’s older housing stock. A quarter of homes in the city have solid walls, which are harder and more expensive to insulate compared to cavity walls.
Fuel poverty is a significant issue in Bristol, affecting approximately 13.8% of households (around 27,560 homes), which is higher than the national average of 13.1%. Vulnerable groups in deprived areas are disproportionately impacted, with cold homes linked to adverse health outcomes such as respiratory issues and mental health challenges. The Bristol Fuel Poverty Action Plan sets ambitious goals to eliminate cold homes due to fuel poverty by 2030 through targeted support and retrofitting measures.
EPC Ratings in Bristol
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 35% of homes in Bristol have an EPC rating of C or higher, making them relatively energy-efficient. However, they could still benefit from further upgrades, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
- D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in Bristol fall into band D, with standard insulation and conventional heating systems. These homes could achieve higher efficiency ratings with additional improvements.
- E (poor efficiency): A notable portion of properties are rated E, indicating poor energy performance. These homes often face higher energy bills and require significant upgrades, such as insulation and heating improvements.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): The least energy-efficient properties in Bristol fall into bands F and G, making them costly to heat. These homes require major renovations, including wall insulation and modern heating systems, to meet contemporary standards.
Numerous Bristol homes qualify for government energy efficiency funding programs, such as ECO4, due to their EPC rating of D or below. Eligibility for these programs requires a low EPC rating, which many Bristol properties have.
How local authority support works
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 check what support you can get
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.