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
Consumer Rights is committed to assisting Monmouthshire Newport residents in accessing ECO4 funding via the Monmouthshire LA Flex Scheme.
Nevertheless, we recognise that the LA Flex criteria can perplex some residents, so we are here to assist you.
The Energy Company Obligation scheme, better known as ECO, is administered by Ofgem on behalf of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The scheme has been designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.
This scheme places a Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation, HHCRO for short, on medium and large energy suppliers. Under HHCRO, obligated suppliers must promote measures that improve the ability of low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households to heat their homes. This includes measures that reduce energy usage, such as installing insulation or upgrading a heating system.
The “Flexible Eligibility” feature enables councils to establish their own criteria for extending funds beyond the typical ECO requirements, typically based on qualifying benefits. Some measures can be installed at no cost for qualified households, while others may require a consumer contribution.
With the South East Wales Energy Agency, a local fuel poverty charity, Monmouthshire County Council has launched the Home Energy Service as a one-stop-shop for all home energy and heating needs. The Home Energy Service seeks additional funds for qualified homes to reduce the required customer contribution whenever practicable.
Who can receive ECO4 funding?
Landlords, Privately Owned Occupants, and Privately rented tenants who qualify by possessing one of the following:
- Low earnings and expensive heating costs
- Low income and other vulnerabilities make them especially vulnerable to the weather.
- In-fill residential properties with solid wall insulation.
Low-Income Benefit LA FLEX criteria for Monmouthshire ECO4:
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance Type Criteria
- £16,190 Income Support
- £16,190 Credit for Guaranteed Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (household income less than £16,190): n/a
- Working Tax Credit (household income of less than £16,190)
- £16,190 Universal Credit (Net Income £1,349.86) Not Applicable
In cases where prices are abnormally high, the Council has the discretion to increase these values.
LA FLEX Criteria for High Heating Costs
- EPC Band Criteria for ECO4: E, F, or G in Monmouthshire.
What energy-saving measures are permitted under ECO4?
- Loft, cavity wall, solid wall, park home, and roof insulation.
- Systems for heating (gas, oil, electric storage heaters, mains gas central heating, district heating, gas network connection)
- Renewable technologies (air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass boilers) include air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, and biomass boilers.
How can funding from ECO4 and the Monmouthshire LA Flex Scheme be accessed?
- Check your eligibility for ECO4 funding based on the criteria above.
- Contact the Home Energy Service to request an evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency requirements and to submit a grant application.
- A contractor will be assigned to implement the required energy-saving measures if approved.
Why is ECO4 funding advantageous for homeowners?
- Lower energy expenses
- Enhanced domestic comfort and warmth
- Carbon emissions and environmental impact reduction
- Contractors implementing energy efficiency measures must comply with the Data Protection Act, Ofgem regulations, and industry best practices for consumer care and quality standards.
Qualification in the statement of intent or Declaration by Monmouthshire County Council does not guarantee the installation of any measures, as the supplier and household occupant have the final say.
The Monmouthshire LA Flex Scheme and ECO4 funding provide an excellent opportunity for households to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy expenditures, and contribute to the government’s carbon emission goals. Please do not hesitate to contact Consumer Rights with any additional inquiries or assistance or fill out our online application form.