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
Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has spent the last 3 years helping Portsmouth and the surrounding areas' citizens cut their energy bills and support the UK's efforts to cut carbon emissions. We are dedicated to making sure Portsmouth residents can get the financial assistance to which they are entitled by offering qualifying households access to both ECO4 (supported by LA Flex and The Great British Insulation Scheme .
Consumer Rights - Supporting Communities - Supporting Portsmouth
Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has spent the last 3 years helping Portsmouth and the surrounding areas’ citizens cut their energy bills and support the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions.
We are dedicated to making sure Portsmouth residents can get the financial assistance to which they are entitled by offering qualifying households access to both ECO4 (supported by LA Flex and The Great British Insulation Scheme .
Why and How Do We Help?
To assist the UK Government in achieving Net Zero Emissions, ECO4 and comparable subsidies have been introduced. We at Consumer Rights are committed to fulfilling our part in this endeavour. All UK homes must now have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band D or above to accomplish this goal.
Homes in Portsmouth typically have an EPC rating of 62, which puts them in band D. This is in line with the average for the country. Landlords are legally obligated to make sure their private rental homes in Portsmouth have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E on the EPC Register. It is illegal to rent out properties with an F or G rating without a legitimate exception.
Through government-backed programs like ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme, Consumer Rights has been actively assisting Portsmouth people in raising the EPC rating of their homes.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Portsmouth
Portsmouth boasts a wide variety of home designs, including many older homes constructed prior to contemporary energy efficiency regulations:
- Pre-1919 homes: Victorian and Edwardian homes, which make up a sizable portion of Portsmouth’s housing stock, are frequently poorly insulated and extremely energy-inefficient.
- Interwar and post-war homes: Although many homes constructed between the 1920s and the middle of the 20th century may have had stronger structural underpinnings, they still need to be updated to satisfy modern energy efficiency regulations.
EPC Ratings in Portsmouth
- C and above (good energy efficiency): A third to a quarter of Portsmouth homes have an EPC rating of C, which indicates that while they are quite energy-efficient, they may still use upgrades like solar panels or more contemporary heating devices.
- D (average efficiency): These homes, which have the most common EPC rating in the area, usually have basic heating and insulation systems, although improvements could increase their efficiency.
- E (poor efficiency): In Portsmouth, fewer residences—typically older homes with thick walls and antiquated heating systems—have an E rating, which raises energy expenses.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): Homes in this group, which is the least prevalent but the most energy-inefficient, need significant upgrades to satisfy contemporary energy regulations.
To qualify for government funding, a property must have an EPC rating of D or lower. Many properties in Portsmouth already meet this first eligibility requirement.
Supporting Low-Income Households
A sizable fraction of Portsmouth’s households are low-income, and energy expenses can be a major financial hardship for them. Local authorities claim that a large number of people in the area struggle to pay for proper home heating, a situation known as fuel poverty.
To assist you in accessing the ECO4 scheme, Consumer Rights is available. We collaborate with a network of government-approved installers to put the required home upgrades into place so that your property may use less energy. The City Council of Portsmouth is not accountable for the project’s finances, contractor selection, or execution. Please be aware that eligibility for each council’s LA Flex may differ based on your location.
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.
Get in Touch Today!
If you think you qualify for ECO4 or LA Flex contact us. Our team is ready to help you through the process.