For the past three years, our dedicated team at Consumer Rights CIC has been actively supporting Exeter residents in their efforts to lower energy costs and contribute to the UK’s carbon emission reduction goals.

With ECO4, supported by LA Flex, and The Great British Installation Scheme is available to eligible households, we are committed to helping residents of Flintshire access the funding they deserve.

So how and why do we do this?

ECO4 and similar grants have been introduced to support the UK Government in achieving its Net Zero emissions goal. At Consumer Rights, we are committed to contributing to this effort. 

Within the Exeter area, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes is 63.4, which falls into band D. This is slightly lower than the average for England and Wales, which is 65.1. For private rental properties in Exeter, as in the rest of England, it’s mandatory to 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.

Customer Rights have been actively assisting residents of Exeter to enhance their property’s EPC rating by accessing government-backed schemes such as ECO4 and GBIS. 

These schemes are especially needed within the Exeter area. Exeter has a mix of housing types, with a LARGE proportion of them being older homes. Many of these properties were built before modern energy efficiency standards:

  • Pre-1919 homes: Exeter has a higher than average proportion of older homes, with approximately 28% of properties built before 1919. These older buildings, which include Victorian and Edwardian houses, often have poor insulation and are energy inefficient. Many of these are solid wall properties, which are typically more challenging to insulate and upgrade.

EPC Ratings for Exeter

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): Approximately 64.5% of homes in Exeter have an EPC rating of C or above. This is significantly higher than the national average, indicating that a large portion of Exeter’s housing stock is relatively energy-efficient. However, these homes may still benefit from further upgrades to improve their energy performance.
  • D (okay average efficiency): The median EPC score for Exeter is 63.4, which falls into band D. This suggests that a significant number of homes in Exeter have this rating. These properties have average energy efficiency and could benefit from upgrades to improve their rating.
  • E (poor efficiency): About 16% of properties in Exeter have an E rating. These homes have poor energy efficiency and likely face higher energy bills. Many of these may be older properties with inadequate insulation and outdated heating systems.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): Approximately 7.7% of properties in Exeter have an F or G rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes typically require significant upgrades to meet modern energy standards. This percentage is lower than the national average, suggesting Exeter has fewer extremely inefficient properties compared to other areas.

To be eligible for certain government funding schemes, a property must typically have an EPC rating of D or below. In Exeter, this means that about 35.5% of properties may meet this initial qualifying criterion for energy efficiency improvement programs.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

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 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.

    Useful Resources: 

    1. ECO Funding: 
    2. What is LA Flex?
    3. Eligibility Criteria
    4. ECO4 Scheme for Landlords
    5. What is a retrofit assessor?
    6. Check your EPC Rating
    7. Choosing the Right ECO4 Installer
    8. Who Can Apply For An ECO Grant?
    9. How To Apply For An ECO Grant

    External resources. MP WEBSITE – OGEM