Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Oxford

The team here at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting Oxford residents in reducing their energy costs and contributing to the UK’s carbon emission reduction efforts for the past few years.

We are committed to helping Oxford residents in obtaining the funding to which they are entitled, with both ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) accessible to eligible households.

So how and why do we do this?

The UK has implemented ECO4 and other government-backed grants to help in reaching its Net Zero emissions goal. We at Consumer Rights are committed to helping the UK in reaching this goal.

In Oxford, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes is better than the national average. The Oxford postcode area’s average home energy rating is 66.7, which is 1.6 points higher than the national average for England and Wales but still falls within band D. Like the rest of England, Oxford requires private rental houses to have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E on the EPC Register.

Without a legitimate exemption, properties with ratings of F or G are not permitted to be rented out legally.

Customer Rights Supporting Oxford Homes

With the help of local energy efficiency projects and government programs like ECO4, Consumer Rights CIC has been actively helping Oxford locals raise their property’s EPC rating.

In terms of energy efficiency, many of Oxford’s older homes face challenges due to outdated insulation and heating systems. To address this, Oxford City Council has initiated several retrofitting projects aimed at enhancing the energy performance of these properties. For instance, a £7 million project was launched to retrofit over 300 social homes, focusing on improvements such as loft and wall insulation, draught-proofing, and window upgrades. These measures are designed to create warmer, healthier, and more sustainable living environments.

The uptake of solar panels in Oxford has been encouraged through various grant schemes. The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) provides funding for energy efficiency upgrades, including the installation of solar panels, targeting low-income households not heated by mains gas. This initiative aims to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints for eligible residents.

Retrofitting efforts in Oxford are supported by multiple funding opportunities. The Great British Insulation Scheme for example offers free insulation to improve home energy efficiency. These programs are part of a broader strategy to decarbonise buildings and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Fuel poverty remains a concern in Oxford, particularly among households relying on expensive, inefficient heating methods.

Overall, Oxford is actively pursuing initiatives to improve its housing stock’s energy efficiency, promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions like solar panels, and alleviate fuel poverty through targeted retrofitting projects.

EPC Ratings for Oxford

C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Oxford have an EPC rating of C or higher. While these properties are relatively energy-efficient, they may still benefit from renewable energy solutions or modern heating systems.
D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in Oxford fall into band D. These properties often have standard insulation and heating systems but could improve their efficiency with additional upgrades.
E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Oxford have an E rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. These homes often need better insulation and heating system upgrades.
F-G (very poor efficiency): Properties with an F or G rating have the lowest energy performance. These homes typically require major improvements, such as wall insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, to meet current energy standards.

Many homes in Oxford are eligible for energy efficiency improvement programs since properties must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for government funding.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

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 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.