Energy Company Obligation (ECO) brings energy savings to Angus homes
Free insulation and heating upgrades – Fully funded through the government-backed ECO scheme
Lower your energy bills – Reduce heat loss and cut monthly costs for good
Quick and easy eligibility check – No commitment, no hassle
TrustMark-accredited installers – Work meets high safety and quality standards
Support for households with a total income of less than £31,000 per year
Support for households where someone has a long term health condition that is affected by living in a cold home (eg asthma, arthritis, diabetes, circulation problems, cardiovascular problems, limited mobility etc)
Check Your Eligibility
Residents of Angus face high energy bills due to older, less efficient homes. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme helps by funding upgrades like insulation and efficient heating systems. This reduces costs and makes homes warmer.
The scheme is crucial for homeowners who want to lower their expenses and improve comfort. It also supports reducing carbon emissions, benefiting the wider community.
This page supports our content about ECO energy grants and you can find other in-depth information about boiler grant eligibility by following this link. You can also explore more local information through our county hub to see what energy-saving options are available in your area.
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Unlock energy savings with our expert grant support
Curious about how you can make the most of energy savings in your home or business? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals access government funding for projects that boost energy efficiency, such as insulation and heating upgrades. Our team simplifies the process by assessing your eligibility, assisting with the grant application, and managing the installation. These improvements lead to lower bills and greater comfort. Explore further to see how you can benefit.
Understanding how ECO supports energy improvements
ECO aims to make homes more energy-efficient and reduce both fuel poverty and emissions. Supported by government efforts, this initiative ensures that more households can access necessary improvements. Angus Council backs the programme through the LA Flex element, which identifies eligible households:
- Purpose: ECO helps lower energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
- How it works: Energy suppliers fund household energy efficiency improvements.
- Funding: Major energy suppliers finance the upgrades.
- Upgrades covered: Includes insulation, heating systems, and renewable technologies.
- Target audience: Focuses on low-income and vulnerable households.
ECO, with the support of Angus Council, provides practical solutions to improve energy efficiency across the region.
Housing energy challenges
Angus features a diverse mix of housing, each with unique energy concerns. From urban centres to rural areas, homes face various challenges in efficiency and heating.
- Type and age: Many homes are older stone-built properties and traditional farmhouses.
- Heating fuels: Commonly rely on oil, coal, or electric heating systems.
- Urban vs rural gaps: Rural areas often experience greater energy inefficiencies compared to urban settings.
- Poor EPC trends: Numerous properties have low Energy Performance Certificate ratings, indicating poor energy efficiency.
- Off-grid issues: Some rural homes are not connected to the gas grid, limiting heating options.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving comfort and reducing costs for Angus residents.
Local energy statistics reveal urgent needs
Energy statistics in Angus demonstrate the pressing need for improved energy efficiency and support measures. The figures reveal challenges that many households face with fuel costs and energy efficiency.
- Fuel poverty: About 31% of rural Scottish households, including those in Angus, experience fuel poverty.
- EPC ratings: Less than 48% of homes in Angus meet the EPC band C rating or better, below the national average.
- Higher energy costs: Heating costs are notably higher in rural areas, particularly for homes off the gas grid.
- National targets: By 2040, the goal is to reduce fuel poverty in Scotland to no more than 5%, and extreme fuel poverty to less than 1%.
- Importance of schemes: Energy efficiency programmes are crucial to support vulnerable households.
These statistics underscore the need for action and highlight the value of ECO in improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel costs for Angus residents.
Addressing local energy challenges
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) offers a clear insight into a property’s energy efficiency, providing essential information about its energy usage and typical costs, along with guidance for enhancement. Obtaining an EPC is a legal requirement in the UK when a property is built, sold, or rented. Improving EPC ratings not only benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions but also helps mitigate issues like fuel poverty by lowering energy bills.
- A–C (Energy Efficient):
- Properties with an EPC rating of A are the most efficient, characterised by minimal energy use and low running costs.
- Ratings of B and C reflect above-average efficiency, signifying properties with moderates levels of insulation and energy-saving designs that help maintain lower energy expenses.
- D (Eligible for Upgrades):
- With a rating of D, a property represents the average energy efficiency of UK homes. While not the best, these homes are often eligible for various schemes aimed at boosting efficiency, making them prime candidates for cost-effective upgrades.
- E–G (Poor Efficiency):
- Homes rated E, F, or G are the least efficient, facing high energy usage and elevated costs. Often hard to heat, these properties can contribute to higher fuel bills and discomfort, limiting affordability and warmth during colder months.
EPC ratings play a crucial role in understanding a property’s energy performance and in guiding improvements. For homeowners, landlords, and local councils, focusing on upgrading properties, particularly those with lower ratings, can greatly enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and address broader issues like fuel poverty. With increasing regulations and funding opportunities, prioritising energy efficiency improvements translates into both financial savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Tackling fuel poverty in Angus
Fuel poverty occurs when households spend a significant portion of their income on energy bills, leaving less for other essentials. In many parts of Angus, such as Arbroath and Montrose, the cold coastal winds increase heating demands. This situation worsens in rural inland areas like Forfar and Kirriemuir, where homes often depend on expensive oil or electric heating due to being off the gas grid.
For residents across towns like Brechin and Carnoustie, fuel poverty often forces tough choices, such as choosing between heating their homes or buying food. Older properties in these areas require more energy to stay warm, leading to higher bills that strain family budgets. Such financial stress can result in inadequate heating, impacting family health and well-being.
Prolonged exposure to cold homes can lead to health risks like respiratory issues and mental stress. The ECO programme supports these Angus communities by funding energy efficiency upgrades, such as better insulation and modern heating systems. By improving home energy efficiency, ECO helps reduce fuel poverty and its associated risks.
Eligibility criteria for ECO support
Understanding the eligibility routes for energy improvement programmes like ECO can help households reduce their energy costs and increase comfort. These routes ensure that support reaches those who need it most in Angus and similar areas.
- Means-tested benefits: Families receiving benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit can qualify.
- Low income (via LA Flex): Local authority flexibility identifies additional low-income households that may not receive traditional benefits.
- EPC D-G: Homes with Energy Performance Certificate ratings between D and G are prioritised for improvements.
- Health issues: Households with members suffering from health conditions exacerbated by cold homes are eligible.
- Rural homes: Properties in remote areas with inefficient heating systems qualify for assistance.
- Tenants: Renters in privately owned or social housing can also benefit, ensuring more widespread improvements.
These eligibility criteria help pinpoint households in need, allowing the ECO programme to more effectively reduce energy bills and promote healthier living environments.
Check Your Eligibility Using Our Grant Checker
Please ensure that all information provided below is 100% accurate. Any errors in your personal information could delay or prevent you qualifying for a government funded grant
Please note that you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of tax credits or benefits as we still may be able to obtain funding for you via your Council or through other funding schemes.
Energy-saving home upgrades and benefits
Improving home energy efficiency can significantly lower energy bills and increase comfort. By focusing on key upgrades, households can enjoy a warmer, healthier living environment with reduced energy consumption.
- Loft, wall, and roof insulation: Keeps your home warm by preventing heat loss, cutting down on heating costs.
- Central heating: Provides consistent warmth throughout your home, making it more comfortable during colder months.
- Electric heaters: Modern, efficient models are more cost-effective and provide better heating than older versions.
- Renewables: Options like solar panels reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower utility bills over time.
- Boilers: Upgrading to energy-efficient models ensures reliable heating and hot water while using less energy.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation prevents dampness and improves air quality, reducing health issues and maintenance costs.
Investing in these upgrades not only enhances comfort but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable home.
Steps to improve your home's energy efficiency
Navigating the process for energy efficiency upgrades can seem daunting, but following a clear path ensures you access the benefits available to you. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to get started.
- Eligibility checker: Use this tool to see if your household qualifies for support.
- Speak to an advisor: Get personalised advice on available options and next steps.
- Book a free survey: Arrange for an expert to assess your home’s energy needs.
- Install: Approved professionals complete the necessary upgrades.
- Receive documents: After installation, you’ll get all relevant paperwork detailing the improvements.
Following these steps makes it easy to enhance your home’s efficiency, ensuring you enjoy reduced energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
Understanding MEES requirements for landlords
Once you’ve explored ways to improve energy efficiency at home, it’s important to understand regulations that may affect you, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). These rules aim to reduce energy consumption in rental properties.
- Band E minimum: MEES requires rental properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least an E, ensuring better energy performance.
- How ECO helps landlords comply: The ECO programme offers funding for upgrades, assisting landlords in meeting these standards without bearing the full cost.
- Exemptions: Some properties may qualify for exemptions, such as listed buildings or if certain improvements are not cost-effective.
Navigating MEES requirements can be simpler with support, helping landlords provide more efficient and cost-effective homes for tenants.
Act quickly to access limited funding
For those considering energy efficiency upgrades through programmes like ECO, it’s important to know that funding is often available on a limited local allocation basis. This means resources are distributed regionally and can run out, so taking action early is crucial. The programme operates on a first-come, first-served model, ensuring that those who apply promptly stand a better chance of receiving support.
Before making any commitment, you can go through a no-obligation eligibility check to see if you qualify for the available funding. This check allows you to understand your options without any pressure to proceed. Acting quickly and knowing your eligibility can maximise the benefits available to your household.
Important considerations for ECO eligibility and compliance
When considering energy efficiency programmes like ECO, it’s important to note that funding is not available to social housing occupants or residents of Northern Ireland. Those in Northern Ireland should consult the NI Housing Executive for local options. For eligible private homes, upgrades need to comply with PAS 2035, a standard ensuring high-quality retrofitting practices.
Installations must be carried out by TrustMark registered installers, guaranteeing that the work meets required standards and quality. Additionally, your data is handled securely throughout the process, protecting your personal information. Eligibility is confirmed through a detailed survey of your property, ensuring you receive appropriate support based on your specific needs.
Discover energy savings with Energy Saving Grants
We at Energy Saving Grants are dedicated to helping UK residents access government funding for important energy efficiency upgrades. With a solid history in the industry, we’ve built a reputation for guiding homeowners, landlords, and small to medium-sized businesses through the maze of available grants. Our aim is to simplify the process so you can achieve significant energy savings with minimal stress.
Our streamlined process begins with a no-obligation eligibility check to identify the funding options open to you. We assist you throughout, from assessing your needs to coordinating installations of everything from insulation to renewable energy systems. This ensures you can enjoy benefits like reduced energy bills and greater comfort without the hassle of managing each step alone.
Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your property’s energy efficiency. Use our Grant Checker form today to start your journey towards a more cost-effective and eco-friendly home or business. Let us help you access the support you need to make lasting improvements.
Local council support for energy grants
After understanding the main grant opportunities and eligibility criteria, it’s essential to explore how local contexts affect access to these benefits. Upcoming sections will delve into the role of Councils, like those in Angus, in simplifying this process. By highlighting local support and resources, we aim to provide insight into how these services make it easier to improve energy efficiency in your area.
The role and impact of local councils
Councils play a vital role in the daily lives of residents by managing essential services and infrastructure that keep communities functioning smoothly. They are responsible for everything from maintaining roads and public spaces to providing social care and waste collection. By overseeing various local services, Councils ensure that communities have the necessary support for a good quality of life.
Additionally, Councils act as a bridge between residents and larger governing bodies like the Scottish Government. They address local needs by implementing national policies on issues such as housing, environment, and public health. Councils also facilitate community engagement, inviting input and involvement from residents in decision-making processes, which helps tailor solutions to meet each area’s unique needs.
Angus Council's role and responsibilities
Angus Council plays a crucial role in managing the county’s affairs, ensuring residents receive essential services and support. As the unitary authority for the area, the council oversees various functions that impact daily life and long-term community wellbeing.
- Structure: Angus Council was established in 1996 and serves as the unitary authority, replacing the Tayside Region.
- Representation: The council comprises 28 elected councillors representing different wards across the county.
- Responsibilities: It handles key areas such as housing, education, roads, planning, environmental services, social care, and local energy efficiency initiatives.
- Energy & Fuel Poverty Role: Collaborates with Home Energy Scotland and local partners to ensure access to ECO-funded measures, the Warmer Homes schemes, and other support for fuel-poor households.
Through these efforts, Angus Council not only manages local services but also actively addresses energy efficiency and fuel poverty, ensuring a more sustainable future for its residents.
Understanding LA Flex and its benefits
The LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is a component of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. It allows councils to create additional criteria for qualifying households that may not meet the standard benefits-based criteria. This makes it possible for households to become eligible for energy efficiency improvements based on various factors such as income, age, or specific health conditions. By allowing local councils to set these rules, the scheme becomes more adaptable to the unique needs of each community, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
Variations in energy grant activity across councils
Energy grant activity can vary significantly across different councils, reflecting the unique characteristics and needs of each area. For example, in the coastal town of Arbroath within Angus, upgrades like external wall insulation and efficient electric heaters are in high demand. Many homes in this area are traditional stone-built properties, which often have higher energy consumption due to their design. To address these challenges, local councils actively promote energy grants that help residents make these necessary improvements, leading to a noticeable increase in uptake.
In contrast, in a more rural area like Forfar, there is a strong focus on installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels and air source heat pumps. The homes in this area are frequently detached or semi-detached properties, which benefit greatly from such upgrades due to their larger surface areas and exposure to the elements. To encourage participation, the council works closely with residents to simplify the application process for grants, making it easier for homeowners to pursue energy-efficient solutions. These examples illustrate how tailoring grant activity to local needs can effectively improve energy efficiency across diverse communities.
Stay informed on evolving ECO funding criteria
ECO funding is distributed in rounds, which means that the availability and specifics of grants can change over time. As new rounds are introduced, the eligibility criteria may also evolve to better meet current priorities and address emerging challenges. These changes might include adjustments to income thresholds, health-related factors, or the specific types of energy efficiency measures covered. Because of this, it’s important for residents to stay informed on any changes that may affect their eligibility for future rounds of funding.
To make the most of available opportunities, residents should regularly check for updates on local council websites or other reliable sources of information. This includes keeping an eye on updates to LA Flex guidelines or shifts in local policy regarding energy improvement initiatives. Staying prepared and informed can help residents better position themselves to take advantage of ECO funding when they become eligible under revised criteria, ensuring they don’t miss the chance to enhance their home’s energy efficiency in the future.
Achieving energy efficiency with local support
Ensuring access to energy efficiency improvements is a collaborative effort that hinges on effective local delivery and community-specific grant access. Councils play a pivotal role in this process, tailoring support to the unique needs of each area. From the coastal towns to the rural countryside of Angus, every resident has the opportunity to make their home warmer and more efficient with guidance that is deeply rooted in their local community.
Take the first step towards upgrading your home by reaching out to Energy Saving Grants today. Our team is ready to assist you with identifying the best options for your property. Call us on 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org to start your journey to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
Common questions about energy grants in Angus
Energy grants in this area aim to improve home energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty by funding upgrades like insulation and heating systems. These grants make it more affordable for residents to improve their homes, lowering energy costs over time. By providing financial assistance, the programme helps support both individual households and the broader community in cutting down carbon emissions.
Eligibility for energy grants in the Scottish rural area often depends on factors such as household income, property type, and existing energy efficiency measures. You can start by using an online eligibility checker or contacting your local council for guidance. It’s essential to stay informed about local criteria, as these can change with new rounds of funding.
In the Arbroath region, energy grants typically cover improvements such as loft and wall insulation, efficient heating systems, and, in some cases, renewable energy options like solar panels. These upgrades are designed to help residents make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. By reducing energy consumption, these measures also lead to significant savings on energy bills.
Yes, landlords in Forfarshire can apply for energy grants, provided their properties meet the necessary eligibility criteria. This includes having an eligible Energy Performance Certificate rating and ensuring their tenants satisfy specific income or benefit thresholds. Such grants can help landlords make essential improvements to their rental properties, improving tenant satisfaction and reducing energy costs.
In Angusshire, exceptions to grant eligibility might include social housing properties, which are generally not eligible for certain types of energy grants. Additionally, specific property types may qualify for exemptions based on their historical or structural characteristics. It is important to consult local council guidelines or eligibility checkers to see if your property fits within the grant criteria.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grants are typically administered through local councils to help residents improve energy efficiency in their homes. In Angus, the councils involved with ECO grants include:
- Angus Council
- Dundee City Council (part)
- Perth and Kinross Council (part)
Several councils in the Angus area offer boiler grants to eligible residents as part of energy efficiency schemes. These grants aim to help reduce heating costs and improve home energy efficiency.
- Angus Council
- Dundee City Council (part)
- Perth and Kinross Council (part)
Check Your Eligibility Using Our Grant Checker
Please ensure that all information provided below is 100% accurate. Any errors in your personal information could delay or prevent you qualifying for a government funded grant
Please note that you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of tax credits or benefits as we still may be able to obtain funding for you via your Council or through other funding schemes.