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
Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Carmarthenshire
For the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been working with residents within Carmarthenshire to not only assist them decrease their energy bills, but also to contribute to the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions.
We are devoted to assisting the residents of Carmarthenshire in obtaining the funds to which they are rightfully entitled, with ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme, both backed by LA Flex accessible to qualified homes.
So, how and why do we do this?
The ECO4 scheme and similar grants have been introduced to support the UK Government in achieving its Net Zero emissions target. At Consumer Rights, we are dedicated to playing our part in this mission.
Homes in Carmarthenshire have an average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 62, which puts them in band D. This is marginally lower than Wales’ national average of 67. Notably, around 75% of private rental properties in the area have an energy efficiency rating of D or worse, indicating a critical need for upgrades. Private rental properties are currently required to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) by having an EPC rating of at least band E.
Without a valid exemption listed on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register, properties with ratings of F or G are not permitted to be rented out legally. Additionally, the minimum EPC requirement for rental houses is anticipated to increase to band C by 2030 as part of the UK Government’s larger initiatives to improve housing energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
Energy Efficiency Challenges in Carmarthenshire
Through local energy efficiency projects and government-backed programs like ECO4, Consumer Rights has been actively helping Carmarthenshire citizens raise their property’s EPC rating.
Carmarthenshire’s housing stock reflects a mix of older and newer properties, with significant challenges in energy efficiency, fuel poverty, insulation, and renewable energy adoption. The county has a large proportion of historic homes built before 1919, which often have solid walls and lack modern insulation. These older buildings are more difficult and costly to retrofit for energy efficiency, but they are recognized as valuable assets that can contribute to sustainability if appropriately maintained and upgraded.
Fuel poverty is a pressing issue in Carmarthenshire, exacerbated by the rural nature of the county and reliance on off-grid heating systems such as oil or LPG. In 2021, approximately 29,444 households in the county were classified as living in poverty, with many likely experiencing fuel poverty due to rising energy costs. Programs like ECO4 provide support to improve energy efficiency for vulnerable households.
EPC Ratings in Carmarthenshire
- C and above (good efficiency): A smaller proportion of homes in Carmarthenshire achieve an EPC rating of C or higher. These properties are relatively energy-efficient but could still benefit from upgrades such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
- D (average efficiency): The most common rating for homes in the region is band D, which offers moderate efficiency but could see notable improvements with better insulation and more efficient heating systems.
- E (poor efficiency): A significant number of homes fall into band E, indicating poor energy efficiency. These properties face higher energy bills and would greatly benefit from government-funded upgrades.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes have an F or G rating, representing very poor energy efficiency. These properties typically require extensive upgrades to meet modern energy standards.
Many homes in Carmarthenshire are eligible for energy efficiency improvement projects since properties must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for funding from the government.
How local authority support works
Consumer Rights is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the GBIS 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.