Lower your energy bills with the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) support via Ceredigion County 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 households within the Ceredigion County Council area face high energy bills due to older housing, poor insulation, and off-grid heating systems. These problems make it difficult to keep homes warm and energy costs manageable. There are numerous Government grant schemes available in the UK to help people make their homes more energy efficient. One of these funding schemes is called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which helps eligible residents access fully funded upgrades like insulation and new heating systems.
These upgrades reduce heat loss and help lower monthly fuel bills. The scheme supports low-income households, households where someone has a long term health condition and homes with low EPC ratings.
This page supports our content about Energy Company Obligation Grant. You can also find other in-depth information related to Ceredigion County by following this link.
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Support available to improve home energy use
Wondering how to get started with energy-saving upgrades? Energy Saving Grants works with local residents to make the most of the support available through grant schemes like ECO. We guide you through checking your eligibility, applying for funding, and getting approved upgrades installed. Read on to learn how the process works and what support you could receive.
How ECO helps households save energy and money
ECO is a government-backed scheme designed to support home energy improvements. It helps households lower their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. LA Flex allows local Councils to refer households that aren’t in receipt of any benefits, but still need support.
- The ECO grant scheme is Funded by energy suppliers (eg British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power etc) to meet UK climate and social obligations
- Offers support for insulation, heating systems, and renewable upgrades such as solar panels
- Aims to cut fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions from homes
- Works by assessing eligibility, then funding approved energy-saving measures
- Focuses on low-income households and homes with poor EPC ratings, including referrals through LA Flex
ECO makes it easier for more people to access essential home upgrades that save money and energy. Through LA Flex, Councils can ensure that local needs are better reflected in who gets support.
Local housing and energy challenges
Housing within the Ceredigion County Council area presents several challenges that affect energy use and living costs. Many homes are older, less insulated, and rely on outdated heating systems.
- Many properties are stone-built cottages or detached homes, often built before modern insulation standards
- Common heating fuels include Oil, LPG, and solid fuel, which are considerably more expensive than mains gas
- Rural areas dominate, where access to energy upgrades can be more limited than in urban centres
- A large share of homes have EPC ratings of D, E, F or G, showing poor energy performance
- Off-grid homes face higher costs and limited access to efficient heating options
These factors make energy support schemes especially important for local residents in Ceredigion. They help address long-standing issues in the area’s housing stock.
What the local energy data shows
Ceredigion’s energy statistics reveal a strong need for better home energy use and heating efficiency. Many properties fall short of national standards, and a large share of households face high running costs due to outdated heating systems and poor insulation.
- The average EPC rating in Ceredigion is 59 (Band D), below the Wales average of 66
- Around 72% of homes have an EPC rating of D or lower
- Only 25–30% of properties reach Band C or higher
- Band F and G properties cannot legally be rented without exemption
- Off-grid heating sources like oil, LPG, or solid fuel are common and costlier than mains gas
These numbers show why energy upgrades are urgently needed. Schemes like ECO offer a practical way to cut costs and improve living conditions across the county.
What your EPC rating means for your home
Understanding your home’s EPC rating can help you see where energy improvements are needed. These ratings show how much energy your property uses and how costly it is to heat.
- A to C ratings mean good energy performance, often with modern insulation, double glazing, and efficient heating
- D-rated homes are sometimes eligible for support and can benefit from upgrades like loft insulation and heating controls, or solar
- E to G-rated properties have high energy use and may need major work such as wall insulation or replacement of heating systems
- Lower-rated homes often face higher heating costs, which can increase financial pressure over time
Knowing your EPC rating helps you take the right steps toward a warmer, more affordable home. Government schemes can support these improvements for those who qualify.
Fuel poverty and how it affects local households
Fuel poverty means a household cannot afford to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost. This often happens when homes are poorly insulated or rely on expensive heating fuels. In Ceredigion, many properties in rural areas and towns like Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, and Tregaron are affected.
Some families must choose between heating their homes and buying enough food. Others limit hot water use or avoid turning on the heating during cold weather. These choices can lead to damp homes, which can cause health problems such as asthma, or worsen heart and lung conditions.
Support is available through schemes like ECO, which help fund insulation, heating upgrades, and other home improvements such as solar PV. These upgrades reduce energy costs and make homes safer and healthier, especially for vulnerable people living in fuel poverty across Ceredigion.
Who can get help with energy upgrades?
You may qualify for help with energy upgrades through several routes. ECO and LA Flex support different types of households based on income, home type, and personal circumstances. You may qualify for funding if you meet the following criteria:
- Receiving means-tested benefits
- Earning below £31,000 per year (this is based on the total household income)
- Living in a home with an EPC rating of E to G
- Having a long term health condition (eg asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, circulation problems, limited mobility etc)
- Living in rural or hard-to-heat areas
These criteria aim to make sure support reaches the people who need it most. If you meet one or more of these, you may be eligible for funding. If you privately rent your home, we can help as long as we receive written permission from the landlord.
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 upgrades that can improve your home
Energy upgrades can make your home warmer, safer, and cheaper to run. The right improvements depend on your current setup and the condition of your property.
- Loft insulation, wall insulation; and roof insulation help retain heat inside your home
- Central heating systems offer reliable warmth throughout the house
- High Heat Retention Electric storage heaters can replace old or inefficient storage heaters.
- Renewable options like solar panels reduce energy bills over time
- New condensing boilers use less fuel and work more efficiently
- Ventilation helps reduce damp and improve air quality
These upgrades lower your energy use and create a more comfortable living space. Many are available through funded schemes for eligible homes.
How to apply for energy support
Applying for support is straightforward and free. The process is designed to help you understand your options and get the right improvements for your home.
- Use the online eligibility checker on this page to see if you qualify
- Speak to an advisor to go through your options and next steps
- Book a free home survey to assess what upgrades are suitable
- Have the approved upgrades installed by a qualified Trustmark accredited team
- Receive documents confirming the completed work and funding
Each step is simple and fully supported by a knowledgeable team. This ensures you receive the help you need without delay.
Rules for landlords and rented homes
If you rent out a property, there are extra rules you need to follow. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply to homes in the private rented sector.
- All rental homes must have an EPC rating of at least Band E
- ECO funding can help landlords make the upgrades needed to meet this rule
- Properties that cannot be improved for valid reasons must be registered for exemption
Following MEES regulations helps reduce tenant energy bills and ensures your property is legal to rent. Support is available to make compliance easier and more affordable.
Areas covered by Ceredigion County Council
Ceredigion County Council covers the full area of Ceredigion, including towns, villages, and remote rural homes. Energy support schemes are available to all eligible residents within the council’s boundary.
- Aberystwyth
- Cardigan
- Lampeter
- Tregaron
- Aberaeron
- Llandysul
- Borth
- New Quay
- Llanarth
- Llanon
From coastal communities to upland areas, every part of Ceredigion served by Ceredigion County Council is included. This ensures equal access to support across the entire council area.
Check early while local funding is available
Funding through schemes like ECO and LA Flex is limited and based on local allocation. Support is given on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting early gives you a better chance of approval.
There is no obligation to go ahead after checking if you qualify. The free eligibility check helps you see what support is available before making any decisions.
Important information before you apply
Some conditions apply to who can get support through ECO and related schemes. These rules help ensure funding goes to homes that meet specific criteria:
- Not available to social housing tenants or residents of Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland residents should contact the NI Housing Executive for local support
- All upgrades follow PAS 2035 standards for quality and safety
- Work is carried out by TrustMark-registered installers
- Personal information is handled securely and only used to process your application
- Final eligibility is confirmed after a free home survey
- All funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis
These checks help maintain high standards and make sure upgrades are right for each home. Only qualified applicants will move forward with approved work.
How Energy Saving Grants can help you access support
Energy Saving Grants help homeowners, landlords, and tenants across Wales, England, and Scotland access government-funded energy support. If you’re eligible for grants like ECO or LA Flex, we guide you through the full process, from checking your eligibility to having the work installed. Our goal is to make it easy to improve your property’s energy use and reduce monthly bills.
We work with trusted, approved installers who follow all required standards, including PAS 2035 and TrustMark accreditation. You stay informed and supported every step of the way, with no hidden costs and no pressure to commit after your initial check.
Use our free Grant Checker form today to find out if you qualify. It only takes a few minutes and could lead to real savings and a warmer home.
How ECO works across the Ceredigion County Council area
Now that you know how the main grant and eligibility rules work, it’s helpful to look at how they apply within the Ceredigion County Council area. The next sections explain how ECO grants are used across local towns and rural communities, who benefits most, and how local support can make applying easier. This gives you a clearer picture of what to expect near you.
About Ceredigion County Council
Ceredigion County Council is the local authority responsible for public services in Ceredigion, a county on the west coast of Wales. The area includes a mix of coastal towns, rural villages, and countryside, with communities spread across places like Aberystwyth, Cardigan, and Lampeter.
The council manages a wide range of local services, including housing, waste collection, education, and community support. It also takes part in national energy schemes like ECO Flex to help improve living conditions and support residents facing high energy costs.
How local support helps with energy grants
Ceredigion County Council helps deliver ECO and LA Flex support by identifying local households that could benefit from energy upgrades. Through flexible eligibility rules the Council makes it easier for residents to access funded improvements, even if they don’t receive any benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Local support is tailored to the types of homes found across the area, such as older stone-built cottages, off-grid properties, and rural homes with high heating costs. Energy Saving Grants works closely with these efforts to guide residents through the process and connect them with approved services.
Areas where residents can access ECO and LA Flex support include:
- Aberystwyth – homes with solid walls and electric, Oil or LPG heating
- Cardigan – rural cottages and electric, Oil or LPG heated properties
- Lampeter – detached homes with older boilers or electric, Oil or LPG central heating
- Tregaron – remote locations where energy access is limited
- Aberaeron and Borth – coastal homes that may face insulation and damp issues
By combining local council knowledge with Energy Saving Grants’ experience, households across Ceredigion can more easily find out if they qualify and get the help they need.
What LA Flex means for local households
LA Flex is a part of the ECO scheme that allows local councils to set extra rules for who can qualify for support. It helps households that don’t receive any benefits but still face high energy costs or health risks from cold homes.
Ceredigion County Council sets these local rules to reflect the needs of its communities. This means residents can qualify based on income level, age, health conditions, or other approved factors. LA Flex makes the scheme more flexible and accessible for people across Ceredigion.
How grant support varies across Ceredigion
Energy grant activity across Ceredigion varies based on the type of homes and local heating needs. In Aberystwyth, many households have used ECO funding to install loft insulation and replace electric heaters in older flats and semi-detached homes. In Cardigan, where many homes use oil heating, residents have taken up grants for boiler upgrades and solid wall insulation to reduce running costs.
In rural areas like Tregaron and Llandysul, off-grid cottages and stone-built houses are common. Here, residents have applied for first-time central heating systems, internal wall insulation and roof insulation to tackle heat loss. Uptake in these areas is growing as more people learn they may qualify through LA Flex, even without receiving benefits.
Why it’s important to stay updated on ECO changes
ECO funding is released in rounds, which means the rules and available support can change over time. Each round may bring updates to eligibility criteria, upgrade types, or how support is delivered through local schemes like LA Flex.
Residents should check back regularly or stay informed through trusted sources, such as the Energy Saving Grants website. This helps you stay prepared and ready to apply when the right opportunity becomes available.
Get started with local energy grant support
Local delivery makes a real difference when it comes to energy support. With grant access shaped around the specific needs of communities, Ceredigion County Council ensures that help reaches the people and homes that need it most. From coast to countryside, every resident has the chance to improve their home with support designed around local housing and energy use.
Ready to check if you qualify? Enter details about your property in the Grant checker form on this page and a grants advisor will contact you to inform you which grant schemes you may be eligible for. Our team is here to guide you through every step and help you access the right support for your home.
Common questions about local energy grants
Homeowners, private tenants (with landlord permission), and private landlords may be eligible. You must meet specific criteria, such as a low EPC rating and household income under £31,000; or a resident of the property having a long term health condition. The local council in this part of Wales uses flexible rules through LA Flex to help more residents qualify.
Common improvements include loft and solid wall insulation, boiler replacements, and first-time central heating. Renewable options like solar panels may also be supported if your home is suitable. The county’s local authority aims to reduce energy bills and improve home warmth.
No, households not on means-tested benefits can still qualify through LA Flex. Eligibility may be based on health or income and housing type. Decision-makers in the local council set the criteria to reflect the needs of residents.
Yes, if the property has a low EPC rating and the landlord gives permission. Renters must also meet income or health-based eligibility requirements. The administrative body responsible for Ceredigion supports both landlords and tenants in accessing energy grants.
No, receiving an energy grant will not impact any benefits or income support you already receive. Grants are separate from other government aid and do not need to be repaid. Ceredigion’s governing body ensures the process is secure and handled independently.
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.