Save on energy bills with the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) from Aberdeenshire Council
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
Many residents in Aberdeenshire face high energy bills due to reliance on costly heating methods and older, inefficient homes. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, supported by Aberdeenshire Council, helps address these issues by offering measures like insulation and heating upgrades. These improvements can reduce energy consumption and lower costs for eligible households.
The ECO scheme is crucial for homeowners because it provides financial support to make essential home energy efficiency improvements. This assistance can lead to long-term savings and more comfortable living conditions.
This page supports our content about the Energy Company Obligation Grant by providing additional details and context. You can find further information about Aberdeenshire by following this link.
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Boost energy efficiency with local grant support
Looking to make your home more energy-efficient? Energy Saving Grants is here to help locals tap into government funding for essential upgrades, such as insulation and new heating systems. Our team simplifies the process by assessing your eligibility, guiding you through grant applications, and coordinating installations. This leads to reduced energy bills and a more comfortable living space. Read on to discover how you can benefit.Are you looking to reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort? Energy Saving Grants is here to help residents in Lincolnshire access government funding for energy efficiency projects. Our expertise ensures you benefit from grants covering insulation, heating improvements, and renewable energy installations. We provide a streamlined process, from assessing eligibility to coordinating installations, making the journey simple and cost-effective. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of these opportunities.
Understanding the ECO scheme and its benefits
The ECO scheme aims to make homes more energy-efficient and reduce fuel poverty and emissions. By providing support for home upgrades, ECO brings financial and environmental benefits to those who need them most.
- Purpose: ECO focuses on reducing fuel poverty by lowering energy bills and cutting emissions through improved home efficiency.
- How it works: It partners with energy suppliers to assist eligible households in upgrading their homes with energy-saving measures.
- Who funds it: Major energy suppliers in the UK fund ECO, as part of their obligations to support energy efficiency.
- Upgrades it covers: The scheme includes a range of improvements, such as insulation, new heating systems, and draught-proofing.
- Target audience: ECO supports low-income households and those with health vulnerabilities, with additional flexibility provided through LA Flex to reach more residents in need.
Overall, ECO helps create warmer, more efficient homes and contributes to a sustainable energy future.
Housing challenges in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire Council’s housing landscape presents unique challenges due to its diverse property types and energy needs. Understanding these factors is key to improving energy efficiency and addressing local issues.
- Type and age: Many homes are rural, detached, and stone-built, with a significant portion dating back to before 1919.
- Heating fuels: A large number of properties rely on oil, LPG, or electric heating due to limited access to gas networks.
- Urban vs rural gaps: Rural areas often face greater energy efficiency challenges compared to urban settings, impacting residents’ energy costs.
- Poor EPC trends: Approximately 45% of homes fall within EPC Bands D–G, indicating lower energy efficiency standards.
- Off-grid issues: Off-grid properties experience difficulties with energy supply, leading to higher fuel costs and challenges in upgrading heating systems.
These factors contribute to energy and efficiency challenges that Aberdeenshire Council must address to improve housing conditions and reduce residents’ energy bills.
Energy challenges in Aberdeenshire
The energy statistics for the Aberdeenshire Council area reveal significant challenges and needs around energy use. Many homes are old, stone-built, and lack modern heating solutions. This data highlights the urgency to improve energy efficiency and reduce related costs.
- About 45% of homes have poor energy efficiency ratings, falling within EPC Bands D–G.
- A large number of households, around 23%, experience fuel poverty, with rural areas seeing rates as high as 30%.
- Many homes depend on costly and inefficient heating options like oil, LPG, and electric systems.
- The area has a high proportion of older, often pre-1919 housing that is difficult to insulate and upgrade.
- Remoteness contributes to greater installation costs and limits access to energy-saving upgrades.
These statistics underscore the need for immediate action to improve energy efficiency and the value of schemes like ECO to help residents reduce energy costs and improve their living conditions.
Understanding EPC ratings
EPC ratings give a clear picture of a property’s energy efficiency, covering aspects from insulation to heating systems. Understanding these ratings helps homeowners, tenants, and landlords assess energy use and costs.
- Rating A properties represent the most efficient homes. They have very low energy use and minimal running costs.
- Ratings B and C indicate above-average energy efficiency. These homes still offer good energy savings and comfort.
- Rating D homes are typical of many UK properties. They have average energy use and costs.
- Ratings E, F, and G highlight the least efficient homes. These properties consume a lot of energy and have high running costs, often making them cold and expensive to heat.
Understanding EPC ratings helps identify properties that may be at risk of fuel poverty. Homes with lower ratings often face higher energy bills, affecting affordability and comfort.
Tackling fuel poverty and its impacts
Fuel poverty occurs when a household struggles to afford adequate heating due to low income, high energy costs, or energy-inefficient homes. In areas like Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Inverurie, many residents face this challenge, particularly those in older properties with poor insulation and outdated heating systems. This situation is common throughout the rural communities of Marr and Formartine as well.
In Aberdeenshire, choices between heating or other essentials, like food, often face residents. For example, a family in Stonehaven may need to decide whether to keep their home warm or buy groceries for the week. Such dilemmas can lead to severe consequences, especially in colder months, when heating is crucial for comfort and health.
Fuel poverty also affects physical and mental health. Cold homes can worsen conditions like asthma or increase the risk of heart problems. To tackle these issues, the ECO scheme provides vital support by offering energy efficiency upgrades to homes in places like Ellon, Huntly, and Banff. These upgrades help reduce energy costs and improve living conditions, making a significant difference in residents’ lives.
ECO scheme eligibility criteria
Understanding who can benefit from the ECO scheme is essential for those seeking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. The scheme targets various groups that are most in need of support.
- Households receiving means-tested benefits qualify for help through the ECO scheme.
- Those with low income in specific areas may access support via Local Authority Flexibility (LA Flex).
- Homes with an EPC rating of D to G are eligible due to their higher energy use.
- Residents with specific health issues that make living in a cold home risky also qualify.
- Homes in rural areas often receive priority due to higher energy costs and limited fuel options.
- Tenants can benefit, as landlords are encouraged to make energy efficiency improvements.
These eligibility routes ensure that assistance reaches those most affected by high energy bills, improving comfort and reducing costs.
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 their benefits
Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency can lead to significant benefits, including reduced bills and improved comfort. The ECO scheme offers a range of improvements to help achieve this.
- Loft, wall, and roof insulation help keep heat in, making your home warmer and reducing energy costs.
- Central heating installation provides a more efficient and reliable way to warm your home compared to older systems.
- Upgraded electric heaters offer better energy efficiency and control over your heating.
- Renewable energy systems, like solar panels, lower reliance on traditional fuels and reduce carbon emissions.
- Efficient boilers ensure your heating system works effectively, cutting down on wasted energy.
- Improved ventilation helps maintain air quality while reducing dampness and mould.
These upgrades not only make homes more energy-efficient but also improve comfort and long-term savings for residents.
Steps to accessing ECO scheme upgrades
Navigating the process to improve your home’s energy efficiency can be straightforward with the right steps. Here’s how you can take advantage of energy-saving upgrades through the ECO scheme.
- Eligibility checker: Start by using an online tool to see if you qualify for ECO support.
- Speak to an advisor: Contact an expert who can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
- Book a free survey: Arrange for a professional survey of your home to identify the most beneficial upgrades.
- Install: Once approved, have the qualified installers complete the necessary upgrades in your home.
- Receive documents: After installation, you’ll get important documents detailing the upgrades and expected savings.
Following these steps ensures you get the most from the ECO scheme, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Meeting MEES standards with ECO support
Understanding the steps for accessing ECO scheme upgrades is crucial, especially for landlords aiming to meet energy standards. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are essential for property compliance.
- Band E minimum: MEES requires rental properties to have at least an EPC rating of Band E to be legally rented.
- How ECO helps landlords comply: The ECO scheme offers support for necessary upgrades, helping landlords improve energy efficiency and meet MEES requirements.
- Exemptions: Some properties may qualify for exemptions if upgrades are not cost-effective or feasible, but landlords must register these exceptions officially.
Adhering to MEES is vital for landlords to avoid penalties and provide energy-efficient homes for tenants, with ECO offering valuable assistance in achieving compliance.
Areas served by Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council covers a broad area in the northeast of Scotland, ensuring that both major towns and rural communities have access to local resources and services. This extensive reach supports a diverse population across the region.
- Peterhead: A vibrant harbour town with a rich maritime history.
- Fraserburgh: Known for its thriving fishing industry and beautiful coastline.
- Inverurie: A bustling market town offering a blend of modern amenities and historic charm.
- Ellon: A scenic town located along the River Ythan, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
- Stonehaven: Famous for Dunnottar Castle and its stunning beach views.
- Huntly: Offers a rich cultural heritage and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Aberdeenshire countryside.
- Banff: A historic town with remarkable Georgian architecture and coastal beauty.
- Westhill: A rapidly growing community offering modern living close to natural attractions.
- Rural communities throughout Marr and Formartine: These areas consist of charming villages and wide expanses of natural beauty, providing a peaceful lifestyle.
With full coverage of major towns and rural areas, Aberdeenshire Council strives to address the needs of its diverse communities efficiently and effectively.
Limited funding and early applications
The ECO scheme operates with a limited local allocation in Aberdeenshire, meaning there is a set amount of funding available for residents in the area. This funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is essential for those interested in upgrading their home’s energy efficiency.
To help residents get started, the scheme offers a no-obligation eligibility check. This allows homeowners and tenants to quickly determine if they qualify for support, ensuring they can make informed decisions about potential upgrades before funds run out.
ECO scheme guidelines and compliance
The ECO scheme has specific exclusions and compliance requirements to ensure the program runs smoothly and securely. It is not available to social housing residents or those living in Northern Ireland. Residents in Northern Ireland can find assistance through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
All upgrades under the ECO scheme must comply with the PAS 2035 standard, ensuring quality and consistency across installations. Only TrustMark-registered installers are authorised to carry out the work, providing added assurance of their professionalism and expertise.
The scheme prioritises secure handling of personal data throughout the application process. Eligibility for the scheme is confirmed at the survey stage, allowing residents to proceed confidently with their home improvements.
Helping you access energy saving grants
At Energy Saving Grants, we specialise in helping homeowners, landlords, tenants, and small to medium-sized businesses access government funding for energy efficiency improvements. Our aim is to make the process simple and stress-free, guiding you from eligibility checks to the final installation of energy-saving measures.
We offer a free, no-obligation eligibility check to determine your access to grants, such as those for insulation and renewable energy installations. Our experienced team will assist you step-by-step, ensuring you make the most of the available funding and achieve significant energy cost savings.
To get started on improving your property’s energy efficiency, we encourage you to use our Grant Checker form today. It’s a quick and easy way to find out what support you could access, helping you make smarter energy choices and reduce your carbon footprint.
Local insights into ECO grants
After exploring the main details of the ECO grants and their eligibility, it’s valuable to delve into specific, locally-relevant information. The upcoming sections will offer insight into how these grants operate across areas like Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Inverurie, highlighting who benefits the most. Local support, facilitated by Aberdeenshire Council, plays an essential role in making access to energy efficiency upgrades easier and more effective for residents.
Introducing Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council is located in the northeast of Scotland, with its headquarters situated at Woodhill House in Aberdeen. Since its establishment in 1996, the council has been dedicated to serving the needs of around 262,000 residents in the region.
The council provides a wide range of services, focusing on housing, energy advice, planning, social care, and education. They are actively involved in climate action initiatives, ensuring sustainable development across their communities. Through these efforts, Aberdeenshire Council aims to enhance the quality of life for those living in both urban and rural areas.
How Aberdeenshire Council supports energy grants
Aberdeenshire Council plays an essential role in helping residents access ECO and LA Flex energy grants. By managing these schemes at the local level, they ensure that more people in the region can make their homes energy-efficient and reduce energy costs. Energy Saving Grants partners with the council to streamline the process and provide expertise.
- Peterhead and Fraserburgh: Residents in these coastal towns benefit from local administration’s flexibility in grant eligibility, allowing upgrades to the many older, stone-built homes.
- Inverurie and Ellon: The council supports these areas by connecting residents with verified installers who can efficiently upgrade homes with necessary insulation and heating improvements.
- Stonehaven and Huntly: Local support helps rural home dwellers access funding quickly, addressing specific needs like off-grid heating solutions.
- Banff and Westhill: Through connections with trusted partners like Energy Saving Grants, the council ensures thorough guidance and a seamless grant application process.
- Rural communities in Marr and Formartine: These areas enjoy targeted support to tackle higher fuel costs and assist with adaptations to rural homes.
By offering flexible eligibility criteria and a network of verified installers, Aberdeenshire Council makes energy grants more accessible across the region. This collaborative effort with Energy Saving Grants ensures residents receive the support needed to improve their homes.
Understanding LA Flex in Aberdeenshire
LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexibility, is a part of the ECO scheme that allows councils to set their own criteria to help more households qualify for energy grants. This approach is especially beneficial for households that do not receive traditional benefits but still need support. Eligibility can be based on factors such as income, age, or health vulnerabilities, expanding access to those who may not fit into standard categories.
In Aberdeenshire, the council tailors these local rules to better address the needs of their community. This flexibility ensures that more residents, including those in rural or unique situations, can access the support they need to improve their home’s energy efficiency. By setting local criteria, Aberdeenshire Council makes the scheme adaptable to the specific requirements of their area, ultimately helping more households save on energy bills and create warmer, safer homes.
Energy grant variations across Aberdeenshire
Energy grant activity in Aberdeenshire varies greatly across the region, reflecting the diverse needs of its towns and rural communities. In Peterhead, many residents live in older stone-built homes that benefit greatly from wall and loft insulation upgrades. With high demand for these improvements, energy grants help to make these homes warmer and reduce heating bills during harsh coastal winters. In Inverurie, semi-detached homes often receive support for central heating installations, replacing outdated systems with more efficient options.
Moving to Fraserburgh and Ellon, electric heating upgrades remain popular, especially in areas where residents rely heavily on electric systems. These towns see a notable uptake in grants for replacing old electric heaters with modern, energy-efficient models. Meanwhile, in rural areas throughout Marr and Formartine, the focus shifts to renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and heat pumps, which cater to isolated properties not connected to the main gas grid. This regional approach ensures that energy grants effectively address the specific needs of different property types and local conditions.
Staying informed about ECO funding changes
ECO funding is distributed in rounds, meaning there are specific periods when grant applications are accepted, and the criteria for eligibility can change with each cycle. As policies develop and new rounds of funding become available, the requirements to qualify may shift to address emerging needs or prioritise different types of homes and improvements. This evolving nature means that what might not qualify today could be eligible in the future.
Residents in areas like Aberdeenshire should stay informed about changes to local policies and the LA Flex guidelines. By regularly checking for updates from local councils or trusted partners, you can stay prepared for when the next round of funding opens. Keeping an eye on these updates ensures that you don’t miss opportunities to benefit from energy grants as the criteria evolve over time.
Local support for energy efficiency in Aberdeenshire
Local delivery of energy grants and community-specific access plays a crucial role in ensuring that all residents across Aberdeenshire, from the coast to the countryside, can make their homes warmer and more efficient. Council support, tailored to local needs, ensures that each household has access to the resources and guidance necessary to implement impactful energy-saving measures.
To take advantage of these opportunities, contact Energy Saving Grants today. Our team is ready to assist you with personalised guidance and support. Call us at 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org to find out how we can help you secure the funding needed to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Frequently asked questions about Aberdeenshire energy grants
Aberdeenshire municipal council offers a range of energy grants under the ECO scheme, designed to improve home energy efficiency. These grants cover upgrades such as insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy installations. The goal is to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for residents.
Eligibility for energy grants in Aberdeenshire varies, focusing on those living in inefficient homes with high energy costs. Aberdeenshire local authority uses criteria such as income levels, health vulnerabilities, and EPC ratings to determine qualification. Residents are encouraged to check current eligibility requirements as they can change over time.
Aberdeenshire regional government assists residents by providing information and resources about available energy grants. They ensure access to eligible improvements through flexible local guidelines and verified installers. This support helps simplify the application process and ensures more households can benefit.
Tenants in Aberdeenshire may qualify for energy grants if their rented homes meet specific criteria. The Aberdeenshire district council encourages landlords to pursue grants for necessary upgrades. Tenants should communicate with their landlords about potential eligibility and available improvements.
Information about energy efficiency grants is available on the Aberdeenshire civic administration’s official website. Residents can also visit local council offices or contact supported providers for guidance. Staying informed helps ensure you can take advantage of opportunities to improve home energy efficiency.
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.