Local Support & Funding in Ceredigion

Over the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting residents in Ceredigion to help them not just save money on their energy bills, but also support the UK’s attempts to decrease carbon emissions.

We aim to help Ceredigion citizens in obtaining the funding to which they are eligible for, with both ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) accessible to eligible homes.

ECO4 and other government-backed schemes have been implemented to assist the UK in meeting its Net Zero emissions target. We at Consumer Rights are committed to helping this endeavour. 

In Ceredigion, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes is 59, which places it in band D but falls below the national average of 66 for Wales. Approximately 72% of homes in the area have an EPC rating of D or lower, indicating significant energy efficiency challenges. 

For private rental properties, it is mandatory to achieve an EPC rating of at least band E to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Properties rated F or G cannot legally be rented out unless they hold a valid exemption registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register. These regulations aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, with government-backed programs like ECO4 available to support retrofitting and upgrades for low-performing homes.

Customer Rights Supporting Ceredigion Homes

Consumer Rights is working to help residents of Ceredigion in improving the EPC rating of their properties through the use of local energy efficiency initiatives and government-sponsored programs such as ECO4.

Ceredigion’s housing stock presents unique challenges in terms of energy efficiency, fuel poverty, insulation, and renewable energy adoption. The area is predominantly rural, with many older properties such as stone-built cottages and detached homes that lack modern insulation standards. These homes often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, leading to significant heat loss. Additionally, many households rely on off-grid heating systems such as oil, LPG, or solid fuel, which are less efficient and more expensive than mains gas.

Fuel Poverty

Fuel poverty is a significant concern in Ceredigion due to rising energy costs and the prevalence of poorly insulated homes. Many low-income residents struggle to afford adequate heating, exacerbating health and financial challenges. The ECO4 Flexible Eligibility aim to alleviate fuel poverty by funding energy-saving measures for vulnerable households.

Ceredigion County Council actively promotes schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme to improve housing conditions. These programs provide tailored solutions for residents, including free upgrades for insulation, heating systems, and renewables. The council also hosts energy efficiency drop-in sessions to educate residents about available measures and funding opportunities.

Ceredigion’s efforts to improve its housing stock focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating fuel poverty, and enhancing living conditions through better insulation and renewable energy solutions. These initiatives are crucial for transitioning the region toward a sustainable future.

• C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 25-30% of homes in Ceredigion have an EPC rating of C or higher. These properties are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from further improvements, such as renewable energy installations.
• D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in Ceredigion fall into band D. These properties often have standard insulation and heating systems but could be made more energy-efficient with upgrades like better insulation, double glazing, and modern heating controls.
• E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Ceredigion have an E rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and higher energy costs. These homes often require wall insulation, boiler upgrades, and improved ventilation to meet modern standards.
• F-G (very poor efficiency): The least energy-efficient properties are rated F or G. These homes require major upgrades, including wall insulation, double glazing, and new heating systems, to bring them in line with current energy efficiency standards.

To be eligible for government funding, properties must hold an EPC rating of D or lower, making many homes in Ceredigion qualified for these energy efficiency improvement schemes.

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.

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.