Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Norwich

Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting Norwich households in reducing their energy costs and supporting the UK’s carbon reduction initiatives over the past few years.

We are dedicated to assisting Norwich residents in obtaining the funds they are eligible for, with ECO4 funded by LA Flex and The Great British Installation Scheme accessible to qualified households.

So how and why do we do this?

The UK government has launched ECO4 and related energy efficiency programs to help it reach its goal of Net Zero emissions. We at Consumer Rights are totally dedicated to helping achieve this objective. 

Homes in the Norwich area typically have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating in band E, which is close to the national average.

According to current laws, private rental houses in Norwich 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 the Great British Insulation Scheme, Customer Rights has been actively helping Norwich homeowners improve the EPC rating of their homes.

Norwich’s diversified housing stock makes these schemes even more important.

Norwich’s housing stock is a mix of older and newer properties, with a large proportion of terraced and semi-detached homes. 

Many older homes in the city are poorly insulated and rely on gas boilers, contributing to high energy bills and carbon emissions. This creates substantial challenges for retrofitting, as older properties often require extensive upgrades, including insulation, heating system replacements, and renewable energy installations. For example, solid wall homes and tower blocks present specific difficulties due to their structure and age.

Fuel poverty is a pressing issue in Norwich, with around 19.6% of households (approximately 12,830) classified as fuel poor as of 2020, a figure higher than both the Norfolk and England averages. Rising energy costs have likely exacerbated this issue in recent years.

To address these challenges, Norwich City Council has committed £290 million to decarbonise its housing stock by 2030, aiming for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or better. Recent initiatives include securing nearly £17 million in government funding for energy efficiency upgrades in social and private housing, such as installing solar PV systems and heat pumps. The council also emphasises a “fabric first” approach, focusing on insulation and draught-proofing before implementing renewable technologies.

EPC Ratings for Norwich

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): While specific data for Norwich is not provided, the national trend suggests that a significant portion of homes in Norwich likely have an EPC rating of C or above. 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): A substantial number of properties in Norwich fall into the D rating category. These homes often have standard insulation and heating systems but could become more energy-efficient with targeted improvements.
  • E (poor efficiency): The average EPC rating in Norwich falls into band E, indicating that a significant proportion of properties have poor energy efficiency and likely face higher energy bills. Many homes in this category may be older properties with inadequate insulation and outdated heating systems, requiring upgrades to meet modern standards.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): While specific percentages are not provided, some properties in Norwich have F or G ratings, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes 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 properties in the area probably meet this first qualifying requirement for energy efficiency improvement projects, as the average rating in Norwich is band E.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights is here to help you access the ECO4 funding and the LA Flex Scheme, enabling you to install energy-saving measures in your home. 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.