How the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) benefits homeowners in Devon County
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 Devon County face significant energy bill challenges due to a mix of historic homes and rural living. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme offers solutions by funding upgrades such as insulation and heating improvements. These enhancements help lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
This scheme is crucial for homeowners, especially those with limited incomes, as it provides financial assistance for necessary upgrades. By improving energy efficiency, it helps create more comfortable and affordable living conditions.
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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Unlocking energy savings for Devon homeowners
Curious about how to maximise your home’s energy efficiency? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals tap into available government funding, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). We guide you through eligibility checks, grant applications, and improve your home’s insulation, heating, or install renewable energy. Enjoy cost savings and enhanced comfort. Continue reading to discover how these grants can transform your home.
Understanding how ECO supports energy savings
The ECO scheme is designed to address pressing energy challenges by reducing fuel poverty and lowering carbon emissions. It aims to make homes more energy-efficient and comfortable, particularly for those who need it the most.
- Purpose: ECO targets fuel poverty and emissions by funding energy efficiency improvements.
- How It Works: Energy suppliers are required to contribute to energy-saving measures in eligible homes.
- Funding: Major energy suppliers finance these improvements as part of their obligations.
- Upgrades Covered: The scheme funds insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
- Target Audience: Low-income and vulnerable households benefit most, with support from local councils and under the LA Flex programme.
Governments and local councils, like those in Devon, support this initiative to reach more households and maximise its impact.
Housing challenges and energy efficiency issues
Devon County features a diverse range of housing, reflecting its unique mix of urban and rural landscapes. This diversity presents specific energy efficiency challenges.
- Type/Age: Housing ranges from historic stone cottages to modern estates, with many buildings dating back centuries.
- Heating Fuels: A significant number of homes rely on oil or solid fuels, particularly in rural areas.
- Urban vs Rural Gaps: Urban areas generally have better resources and access to services compared to more isolated rural regions.
- Poor EPC Trends: Many homes have low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, indicating poor energy efficiency.
- Off-Grid Issues: Rural locations often lack access to the mains gas grid, complicating heating solutions.
Addressing these issues is critical for improving living conditions and reducing energy costs throughout Devon County.
Energy challenges and needs in the local area
Energy statistics in Devon County highlight specific challenges and needs in the area. These numbers reflect significant opportunities for improving energy efficiency and reducing costs through initiatives like ECO.
- Fuel Poverty: While 13% of households in England experience fuel poverty, Devon sees higher rates of around 14–16%, particularly in rural areas.
- Severe Fuel Poverty: An estimated 5–6% of Devon households face severe fuel poverty, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
- EPC Ratings: Despite 42% of English homes achieving a C rating or higher, many Devon homes sit at a D–E rating, with some even lower.
- Heating Costs: Off-grid rural households pay 25–40% more for heating using oil, LPG, or electricity than those with gas access.
- Geography Factor: Rural isolation and coastal, upland climates increase heating demand.
This data reveals a pressing need for action. Implementing the ECO scheme can help address these challenges by improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs for Devon households.
Understanding EPC ratings and energy efficiency
EPC ratings provide essential insight into a property’s energy performance, helping identify opportunities for improvement and addressing issues like fuel poverty. These ratings range from A to G, reflecting the energy efficiency of a home and its potential costs to run.
- A–C Ratings: Homes in these categories are energy efficient, featuring low energy use and running costs. Upgrades focus on maintaining high efficiency.
- D Rating: Representing the average UK home, properties with this rating might qualify for ECO support to improve energy efficiency.
- E–G Ratings: Homes rated at the lower end of the spectrum have high energy use and costs, making them prime candidates for significant insulation, heating, and window upgrades.
- Upgrade Links: Improvements often recommended include better insulation, efficient heating systems, and upgraded windows to enhance the EPC rating.
Understanding your EPC rating is vital for planning energy efficiency upgrades. It ensures that resources like the ECO scheme are directed effectively to those in need.
Addressing fuel poverty and health risks in Devon
Fuel poverty occurs when a household struggles to afford the energy needed to maintain a warm and healthy living environment. In Devon, areas like Torbay, Ilfracombe, and Brixham have older housing and face deprivation, making residents vulnerable to rising energy costs. In Plymouth and Exeter, urban deprivation contributes to fuel poverty, while rural uplands in Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the South Hams face increased heating costs due to reliance on off-grid solutions.
Many families in these areas are forced to make difficult choices between heating their homes and other essentials, such as food. This heat or eat dilemma is particularly common in seaside towns with older, less efficient housing and in deprived urban areas. In rural villages, the high cost of off-grid fuel exacerbates these decisions, leading to colder homes and increased health risks.
Living in cold homes can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular issues. The ECO scheme provides crucial support by funding energy efficiency improvements for those in need. This aid is particularly important in Devon’s affected areas, helping to improve the living conditions and health outcomes for vulnerable residents.
ECO scheme eligibility criteria explained
Navigating the eligibility criteria for the ECO scheme can help identify the households most in need of energy efficiency upgrades. Various routes are available for qualifying residents, ensuring that support reaches the right people.
- Means-Tested Benefits: Households receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit or Income Support may qualify.
- Low Income (via LA Flex): Local authorities have flexibility to identify low-income households that could benefit.
- EPC D–G: Properties with these lower EPC ratings are prioritised for improvements.
- Health Issues: Households with members suffering from health problems exacerbated by cold homes may be eligible.
- Rural Homes: Homes in isolated or off-grid rural areas often face higher energy costs, making them eligible.
- Tenants: Renters can also qualify for the scheme with the consent of their landlords.
Understanding these routes can open up opportunities for improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel poverty, and enhancing quality of life for many Devon residents.
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-efficient home upgrades and their benefits
Improving energy efficiency in homes can significantly reduce energy bills and create a more comfortable living environment. Several types of upgrades available through the ECO scheme can make a substantial difference.
- Loft, Wall, and Roof Insulation: Keeps heat in, reducing the need for external heating sources and lowering energy costs.
- Central Heating: Upgrading or installing central heating systems provides consistent warmth throughout the home.
- Electric Heaters: Modern electric heaters are more energy-efficient and cost-effective than older models.
- Renewables: Installing solar panels or heat pumps lowers reliance on traditional energy sources and can save money over time.
- Boilers: Efficient boilers are essential for reducing energy consumption and ensuring reliable heat and hot water.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation systems prevent dampness and improve indoor air quality, promoting overall health.
Considering these upgrades can enhance your home’s energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Steps to access ECO support
Getting started with the ECO scheme is a straightforward process that guides you from assessing eligibility to completing the necessary upgrades in your home. Following these simple steps ensures you receive the support you need for energy efficiency improvements.
- Eligibility Checker: Use the tool to see if your household qualifies for the ECO scheme.
- Speak to an Advisor: Get personalised advice on the next steps and available options.
- Book Free Survey: Schedule a no-cost home assessment to determine the best upgrades for your property.
- Install: Qualified professionals carry out the necessary installations to enhance energy efficiency.
- Receive Documents: Obtain all necessary paperwork confirming the completed upgrades and any new energy performance ratings.
This process ensures that you maximise the benefits of the ECO scheme, making your home more comfortable and reducing your energy bills.
Understanding MEES and how ECO supports landlords
Once you’re familiar with accessing ECO support, it’s helpful to understand how it ties into meeting the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rental properties. MEES rules set specific requirements that landlords must follow to improve energy efficiency.
- Band E Minimum: Landlords must ensure rental properties have an EPC rating of at least band E. Properties below this rating cannot be leased.
- ECO Helps Compliance: The ECO scheme offers funding for upgrades, aiding landlords in meeting the MEES requirements without bearing the full financial burden.
- Exemptions: Some properties may qualify for exemptions, such as if the cost of improvements exceeds a specific cap.
Understanding MEES regulations, along with utilising ECO support, ensures landlords provide energy-efficient homes while fulfilling legal obligations.
Act fast for ECO scheme funding
The ECO scheme operates on a limited local allocation, meaning there is only a specific amount of funding available for each area, including Devon County. Because of this, the scheme often works on a first-come-first-served basis, which encourages eligible households to apply early to secure the available support.
To make the process easier, you can start with a no-obligation eligibility check. This allows you to quickly find out if you qualify for assistance without any commitment, ensuring you don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
ECO scheme requirements and limitations
The ECO scheme has specific limitations regarding eligibility. It is not available to residents of social housing or those living in Northern Ireland, where the Northern Ireland Housing Executive handles energy efficiency programmes.
A key requirement for participating in the scheme is PAS 2035 compliance, which ensures that all upgrades meet high standards. Only TrustMark registered installers, who are verified professionals, carry out the work to guarantee quality.
Your personal data is handled securely throughout the process, providing peace of mind as you proceed with your application. Final eligibility for ECO support is confirmed during the home survey, ensuring that the correct improvements are tailored to your property needs.
Discover how Energy Saving Grants can assist you
With the ECO scheme’s requirements and limitations clarified, let us introduce you to Energy Saving Grants and how we can help you access these valuable grants. Established to assist UK residents, we have built a solid reputation for helping homeowners, landlords, and small to medium-sized businesses secure government funding for energy efficiency improvements. Our expertise spans various energy-saving measures, including insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy installations, ensuring significant cost savings and improved comfort for your property.
At Energy Saving Grants, we handle every step, from assessing eligibility and completing grant applications to coordinating the installation of energy-efficient upgrades. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to identify the best opportunities for your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the support necessary to enhance your property’s energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.
We encourage you to use our Grant Checker form today to quickly determine your eligibility for these grants. With no obligation and a simple process, you can easily discover how Energy Saving Grants can help make your home or business more energy-efficient. Take the first step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future.
Local council support for ECO scheme access
Now that you understand the basics of the ECO scheme and eligibility, it’s important to consider the unique local context in Devon County. The following sections will provide insight into how local councils, including Devon County, Plymouth, Torbay, and district councils, work together to support energy efficiency measures and make grant access easier. These locally-tailored programmes and partnerships with community energy groups ensure that the needs of residents, especially those in rural and coastal areas, are effectively addressed.
The essential role of local councils
Councils play a crucial role in the everyday governance of communities, addressing the needs of residents by managing and delivering key local services. They are responsible for a wide range of functions, from organising waste collection and maintaining public amenities to planning and regulating local developments. Through these actions, councils work to ensure that communities are safe, healthy, and sustainable places to live.
Beyond providing services, councils serve as the voice of the community, representing local interests and concerns in broader governmental discussions. They are made up of elected councillors who make decisions and create policies that align with the specific needs and priorities of their constituents. This local focus allows councils to be more responsive and adaptable than larger governmental bodies, making them an essential component of effective local governance.
Devon's council structure and coverage
Devon County operates within a two-tier council structure, complemented by two unitary authorities. This system helps manage both strategic and local services throughout the county, ensuring efficient governance and service delivery.
- Devon County Council: Oversees strategic services across the entire county, including education, transport, and social care.
- District Councils: East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon handle local services like housing, planning, and the environment.
- Unitary Authorities: Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council function independently, managing all local and strategic responsibilities within their areas.
This combination of councils ensures that the diverse needs of Devon’s urban and rural communities are addressed effectively.
Understanding LA Flex and its benefits
LA Flex, short for Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is a component of the ECO scheme designed to help households that do not qualify for traditional benefits access energy efficiency improvements. Under LA Flex, local councils have the authority to set their own criteria, allowing them to consider various factors such as income, age, or health conditions when determining eligibility for support.
This flexibility ensures the scheme can be tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of local communities. By empowering councils to establish their own rules, LA Flex makes it possible for a broader range of households to benefit from energy upgrades, enhancing comfort and reducing energy bills even if they do not meet the general qualifications for ECO funding.
Variations in energy grant activity across Devon councils
Energy grant activity across Devon’s councils varies due to the unique needs and characteristics of each area. In Plymouth, for example, the city council focuses on replacing outdated central heating systems in ex-naval housing estates, where residents often face high energy bills. Popular upgrades include installing high-efficiency boilers and insulation for older brick homes, which helps reduce costs and increase energy efficiency. In contrast, East Devon sees a higher uptake in renewable energy solutions like solar panels, particularly in suburban towns such as Honiton, where detached homes and bungalows are common.
In the rural districts like Torridge, many households live in older stone cottages that are off the gas grid. Here, district councils prioritise installing air source heat pumps and wall insulation to tackle heating challenges. Meanwhile, in coastal towns like Brixham within the Torbay unitary authority, there’s significant interest in loft insulation and double glazing to combat the damp and cold conditions typical in seaside cottages. This variation in energy grant programmes ensures that each area’s specific property types and common energy inefficiencies are effectively addressed.
Stay informed about evolving ECO funding criteria
ECO funding is distributed in rounds, with each round offering new opportunities for households to access energy efficiency improvements. These rounds often come with changes in eligibility criteria, as policymakers adapt guidelines to better meet the evolving needs of communities. This means that while you might not qualify in one round, future rounds could open up possibilities through adjusted criteria or enhanced support.
It’s important for residents to stay informed about changes to local policies and LA Flex guidelines, as these can directly impact their eligibility for ECO support. By regularly checking updates or subscribing to local council newsletters, homeowners and tenants can be better prepared to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise. Staying informed ensures that when the time is right, you can quickly act on available resources to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Local support for making your home energy efficient
Local delivery and community-specific grant access are essential in ensuring that every Devon County resident can benefit from the ECO scheme. From the coastal towns to the countryside, councils provide tailored support and resources to help residents improve their homes’ energy efficiency. This community-rooted approach means that no matter where you live in Devon, there are opportunities to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient, meeting the specific needs of your area.
For personalised support and to explore your options, Energy Saving Grants is here to help. Reach out to our team by calling 0330 223 0333 or emailing info@energysavinggrants.org. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and cost-effective home today.
Common questions about energy grants and the ECO scheme
The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme is a UK Government programme that requires major energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes. It primarily focuses on low-income and vulnerable households to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. This initiative is especially important in large rural counties, where residents often face higher energy costs.
Eligibility for energy grants under the ECO scheme can vary based on criteria like income level, receipt of benefits, or property energy efficiency ratings. Residents in places like the southwest English county can also benefit from local council guidelines under the LA Flex programme. It’s essential to check the latest eligibility criteria for each funding round.
Improvements covered by the ECO scheme include insulation, heating upgrades, and the installation of renewable energy systems. These upgrades aim to enhance the energy efficiency of homes, making them warmer and reducing energy costs. In a county in the southwest, these improvements are especially beneficial for rural and off-grid homes.
Local councils play a significant role in delivering ECO schemes by managing area-specific programmes and working with community groups. This local delivery ensures that the unique needs of each community, such as those in the southwest coastal county, are effectively addressed. Councils can also establish flexible eligibility criteria to broaden access to these grants.
Energy efficiency helps lower household energy bills and reduces carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. For homes in the county of Dartmoor and Exmoor, where heating costs can be high due to off-grid needs, energy efficiency upgrades provide much-needed cost savings. They also enhance comfort and living conditions in both urban and rural settings.
ECO grants are available in Devon, with several councils providing access or information on these energy efficiency schemes. For those looking at specific councils within the county, here’s a list of councils in Devon:
Several councils in Devon County offer boiler grants to support energy efficiency in homes. These schemes are often part of broader initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and improve living conditions.
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.