Discover how the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) supports you through Maldon District 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 the Maldon District struggle with high energy bills, particularly in older homes and off-grid areas. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, supported by Maldon District Council, offers vital assistance. It helps residents by providing grants to improve home energy efficiency, reducing costs.
This scheme is important for homeowners as it lowers energy expenses and enhances home comfort. By upgrading insulation and heating, residents enjoy a warmer home and lower bills.
This page supports our content about ECO grants by providing additional details and context. You can find further information about Essex by following this link. You can also find other in-depth information related to Harlow District Council by following this link and learn more about Rochford District Council if you click here.
Hear from those we've helped
Cath D
I don't normally write reviews but I genuinely want people to know how pleased I am with the service I received from Energy Saving Grants. They arranged for me to have the cavity walls and loft of my house insulated, as well as having a new combi boiler installed. All completely free of charge! I didn't really believe that I would be entitled to receive anything for free, but I was very happy to be proved wrong!
Shaun B
Very impressed with Energy Saving Grants service and professionalism. I contacted them on a Friday and they arranged for a surveyor to visit 3 of my properties the following Monday. Within three weeks, one of the houses had a new boiler installed and all of the properties had been insulated! A very efficient service. I only wish I had known about them years ago!
Kelly W
I contacted Energy Saving Grants and they helped me obtain grant funding to receive a new combi boiler completely free of charge as I receive tax credits. They also arranged for me to have extra loft insulation to keep my house warmer. I have recommended them to friends and family.
Rebecca B
Excellent service, really happy with the new heaters staff friendly efficient and professional would highly recommend them.
Maggie Di
Many thanks to the Energy Saving Grants team for guiding me through the entire grant qualification process up to installing new storage heaters.I am very happy with the result, they were very helpful, supportive and responsive throughout the process, I highly recommend them
James Buckley
I've had a very good experience with energysavinggrants, they are very easy to contact and responsive, they were supportive and helpful throughout the whole process of survey insulation and installation of the heating which is of excellent quality, I highly recommend them, nice people
Kamran Aftab
Great company and great job will recommend
Zia
Very quick, easy and efficient. There was no paperwork required on my part, only signatures. No extra charges, the grant covered all costs. Very pleased with the service. Thank you
Lotibun Nessa
Thank you for all your help. Very pleased with my external wall insulation. I highly recommend this company.
Syed Ahmed
The company and the organisers did a fantastic job. They completed the work extremely well and very efficiently. All the employees were very respectful and considerate, the house looks great now and will enable us to be energy efficient. I would recommend this grant be available to all homes.
John Powell
Very pleased with the standard of the internal wall insulation good standard of workmanship. What I liked was if a problem arose they would come and ask rather than cover it up. The management team were also very helpful
Missy
Excellent service. External wall insulation completed quickly and efficiently at a high standard. Simple procedure beforehand of documents signing and great communication from the company DW. Great workers who finish tge job in no time. Thank you
Tony Hayes
The lads that did our work where great nothing was to much trouble for them new boiler and full central heating installed plus loft insulation didn't pay a penny so glad we did the scheme.
Nav Arif
Job well done very satisfying
Alwyn Jenkins
Fantastic service. Our house is nice and cosy now
Abu Hasna
Good job clean, fast. Would deffo recommend. Friendly.
Kamran Aftab
Great work clean and tidy all covered under the funding
Wioletta Klos
Excellent service, friendly and professional. Highly recommend
KG
Very good job, efficient and clean and completed the job within good time
Zahoor Hussain
I’m well pleased with my instillation warm home indeed
Mohammed Usman
Brilliant Service. The insulation does the job perfectly
David Thompson
Andy from the group was helpful and kept me up to date at all times fantastic service
Aliza Hussain
Brilliant service very quickly installed so happy snug warm home for winter ���
Ian Collins
Excellent service, clean, tidy, friendly installation and totally covered by a Government Grant.
Ignas Gasparavicius
Big thanks to energy saving grants, wall insulation done properly, now house much warmer, and looking much better, big thanks!
Mark Lee
Very professional, did their utmost to accommodate. Cleaned up after themselves. Highly recommend
Catrin Davies
Very happy with all that got done just makes Christmas even more enjoyable to be nice and warm A*** Thankyou
Rebecca Parker-Bishop
Excellent and efficient service left no mess and the new storage heaters are excellent really happy with the service can highly recommend Energy Saving Grants.
Lotibun Nessa
Thank you for all your help, smooth process from start to finish. I highly recommend energy saving grants. Very pleased with my external wall insulation.
Khalid Hussain.
I’m very pleased with the work couldn’t ask for a better experience the workers were extremely professional from start to finish and got the task done within the given time, the end result was amazing can not flaw anything.
Nia
The new heaters were fitted with no fuss or bother and are working really well. The fitters were efficient and helpful
Alin Ullah
Great job done by these people. I had my external insulation done a few weeks ago. All done with no cost to us. Very pleased
Madina
Excellent work! Would definitely recommend. Easy paper work and fast quick service. House is warm and looks so pretty.
Sue Collins
Couldn’t believe we could have heating installed with no cost to us, but we did and an excellent company to deal with, very quick and efficient to sort everything out. So Pleased with our new heaters.
Sue Gillet
My new heaters are great and the loft insulation has made a big difference. All done with no cost to us. Very pleased
Khadija Zorah Hussain
Love the fact my home is now so snug and warm for winter brilliant job so pleased
Holly Hacket
Energy Saving Grants arranged for me to get help towards the cost of having my house insulated. My house is now so much warmer and looks a lot better too! I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
Mohammed Nusrat
The whole process from start to finish was smooth and fantastic. The work was completed within the time they specified and it was completed to the highest standard and I was very impressed, they cleaned up the mess after and they were very transparent on everything they did. Overall I give them 10/10 and I recommend everyone uses them.
Raja Zaman
Hi had external wall insulation and our home feels more warm and looks great outside. Good customer service done the job on time and nicely will recommend, grant scheme was great thanks
Ashish Patel
Brilliant work, friendly and professional staff. one company let me down in the last minute and I contacted Energy Saving Grants, they started job within 3 days and completed it very quickly. Thank you really happy with the service and work 🙂
Georgina Corbishley
Excellent service from start to finish. Had internal wall installation fitted by via the Eco grant, really quick, great communication and all the guys who did the work were brilliant and very hard working. Thank you Energy saving Grants.
Dawn Gothard
Just had storage heaters fitted and this company was fantastic from start to finish. All the staff are friendly yet professional. I didn't think I could get free heaters but they did all the work and made it possible
Lorraine Blunden
I applied for the free grant for electric night storage heaters, I was very happy with the service that was given from the office team and from the very helpful electrcians that came out to install the heaters... which by the way was absolutely free. Thank you very much, me and my son are very happy and warm. Thank you again.
Jacqueline Large
Absolutely life changing for my disabled son and I. The sheer pleasure of having a warm, damp free house is beyond measure, saving me huge amounts of money on both gas and electric. Cannot praise the grants team highly enough. Marvellous experience with them From start to very cozy warm finish.
Maureen Dolphin
I recently had my old storage heaters replaced using the government grant scheme. I must admit when I first heard about this grant I was very sceptical and thought it was a scam but believe me it’s genuine. All my old heaters were removed and replaced with more up to date ones with absolutely no cost at all to me. The workmen were extremely pleasant and efficient and left everything clean and tidy.
Mohammed Hanif
A very professional, effecient, helpful, company, Great at their job, easy to communicate with, My home is damp proof and their insulation is of top Quality. I Highly recommend using this Company.
Sakina Parveen
A very big thank you to Energy Saving Grants for insulating our house. Despite the company's tight schedule they still managed to carry out the work accordingly.. Brilliant customer service, the house looks absolutely amazing and feels so much warmer with the insulation. Very pleased with the outcome, I highly recommend these guys to everyone.
Tracy
I found out about this grant through my work, I had no idea it even existed! I had one working storage heater in a 3-bed house and now have an air source heat pump and central heating, along with thicker roof insulation. I am so happy with the results, it's so lovely to finally have a warm home.
Ann Walker
I have just taken advantage of the government energy-saving grant. I can't tell you the difference it has made to my life. My cold and damp stone-built cottage has been turned into a warm cozy home. I received wall insulation, new modern radiators, and solar panels all for free. It is a big job but believe me, it’s something not to be missed. A big thank you.
How Energy Saving Grants assist Maldon residents
Curious about how you can lower your energy bills and increase comfort at home? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals in Maldon access government funding for energy efficiency projects. We guide you through the entire process, from assessing eligibility to grant applications and installations. Discover how these grants can benefit you by reading on.
Understanding the ECO scheme and its benefits
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty and lower emissions by improving home energy efficiency. This programme offers financial assistance to households in need, helping them undertake essential upgrades.
- Purpose: ECO focuses on reducing fuel poverty and lowering carbon emissions by enhancing the energy efficiency of homes.
- How it works: The scheme provides grants for eligible households to carry out energy-saving improvements.
- Funding: Large energy companies fund ECO, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
- Upgrades covered: Grants can cover a range of improvements, including insulation, efficient heating systems, and renewable energy installations.
- Target audience: ECO primarily targets low-income households, with LA Flex allowing councils like Maldon District to extend help to more residents.
By leveraging ECO, many can enjoy warmer homes and lower energy costs, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Housing challenges in Maldon
Maldon District Council’s housing landscape presents unique challenges and characteristics. Understanding these aspects helps inform energy efficiency efforts.
- Type/age: The district features a mix of older rural cottages, Georgian and Victorian homes, and seaside properties.
- Heating fuels: Many homes rely on oil or electric heating, as they are not connected to the gas grid.
- Urban vs rural gaps: Energy efficiency and heating access can vary significantly between urban centres and rural areas.
- Poor EPC trends: Approximately 60% of homes are rated EPC D or below, especially in rural and coastal locations.
- Off-grid issues: Homes off the gas grid face additional challenges in improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.
Addressing these factors is crucial for creating energy-efficient housing solutions in Maldon.
Local energy stats and needs
Local energy statistics in the Maldon District Council area highlight significant challenges and needs for energy improvements. These stats reveal the reliance on older home types, off-grid heating, and energy inefficiencies that many residents face.
- Home types: Many homes are older cottages or historic properties, often with inefficient energy use.
- Heating sources: A significant number of properties, off the gas grid, use oil or electric heating.
- EPC ratings: Around 60% of homes have an EPC rating of D or below, primarily in rural and coastal regions.
- Fuel poverty: In 2021, 9.9% of households experienced fuel poverty, with higher rates in off-gas and coastal areas.
- Retrofit goals: The council aims to upgrade all its housing to at least EPC C by 2030, indicating ongoing efforts to address inefficiencies.
These data points highlight the urgent need for action and demonstrate the importance of initiatives like the ECO scheme to support residents in achieving better energy efficiency.
Understanding EPC ratings
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings are crucial for assessing a property’s energy efficiency, costs, and potential improvements. They guide homeowners, landlords, and councils in understanding energy use and planning upgrades.
- A: Homes with an A rating are the most efficient, with very low energy use and minimal running costs.
- B & C: These ratings indicate above-average efficiency, meaning lower energy bills compared to typical homes.
- D: This average rating for UK homes suggests moderate energy efficiency, with reasonable costs but room for improvement.
- E, F & G: These are the least efficient homes, often cold and expensive to heat, leading to higher energy use and running costs.
EPC ratings highlight the need for energy improvements, particularly in lower-rated homes. This ties into efforts to reduce fuel poverty, a topic we’ll explore next.
Addressing fuel poverty and its impacts
Fuel poverty occurs when a household struggles to afford adequate heating. In places like Maldon town, Burnham-on-Crouch, Heybridge, Southminster, and various rural villages and coastal parishes, many families face tough choices. They might have to decide between heating their homes or buying food. This situation often arises due to high energy costs and low household income.
Living in fuel poverty can seriously impact health. Cold homes can worsen respiratory conditions and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Stress from struggling to pay energy bills can harm mental health. Fortunately, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is designed to help those in need across all these areas by providing support for energy efficiency improvements.
The ECO scheme offers practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty. It funds home upgrades, like better insulation and efficient heating systems, which lower energy bills. This can make homes in Maldon District warmer and more affordable to run. By targeting areas with higher fuel poverty rates, the scheme helps mitigate health risks and enhance quality of life.
Eligibility for ECO scheme support
Understanding who is eligible for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme can help you determine if you qualify for assistance with home energy improvements. Various eligibility routes ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
- Receiving means-tested benefits often qualifies you for ECO support.
- Low-income households may qualify through LA Flex criteria set by local authorities.
- Homes with an EPC rating of D to G are prioritised due to their inefficiency.
- Individuals with health issues exacerbated by cold homes might be eligible.
- Rural homes often face off-grid challenges and can qualify for assistance.
- Tenants may also be eligible, depending on their circumstances and property ratings.
These eligibility criteria aim to target assistance where it’s needed most, helping improve energy efficiency and reduce the burden of high energy 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 benefits
Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency not only reduces energy costs but also enhances comfort. Here are some key home improvements you might consider and their benefits:
- Loft, wall, and roof insulation: Keeps your home warm, reduces heat loss, and cuts down on energy bills.
- Central heating systems: Provides consistent warmth throughout your home, improving comfort and reducing heating costs.
- Electric heaters: Modern, efficient options offer targeted heating where you need it most.
- Renewable energy installations: Solar panels and other renewables lower your carbon footprint and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
- Efficient boilers: Ensure reliable and efficient heating with lower running costs.
- Ventilation systems: Improve air quality and prevent dampness without wasting energy.
These upgrades offer a range of benefits, from cost savings to a healthier living environment. Investing in energy efficiency pays off in comfort and reductions in monthly energy expenses.
Steps to access energy-saving upgrades
Getting started with energy-saving upgrades can be straightforward when you know the steps to take. Here’s how to proceed:
- Eligibility checker: Use an online tool to quickly see if you qualify for available energy schemes.
- Speak to an advisor: Contact an expert who can guide you through your options and answer any questions.
- Book a free survey: Arrange for a professional assessment of your home’s energy needs and potential upgrades.
- Install: Have qualified technicians carry out the recommended energy improvements.
- Receive documents: After installation, get all necessary documentation to confirm the work carried out and your improved energy status.
Following these steps helps ensure a smoother process, making your home more energy-efficient and reducing costs effectively.
Understanding MEES for landlords
Once you’ve explored the steps to access energy-saving upgrades, it’s important to understand the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rental properties. These rules help ensure that rented homes are comfortable and efficient. Here’s what landlords need to know:
- Band E minimum: All rental properties need to have an EPC rating of at least E to be legally rented out.
- ECO assistance: The ECO scheme provides support to landlords to help bring properties up to the minimum standard, making compliance both achievable and cost-effective.
- Exemptions: Some properties may qualify for exemptions if they cannot be improved to the minimum standard, but these need to be registered officially.
Understanding MEES helps landlords maintain compliant and efficient properties, benefiting both tenants and the environment.
Areas covered by Maldon District Council
Maldon District Council provides comprehensive coverage across a diverse range of towns, villages, and rural areas. Whether you’re located in a bustling town or a serene village, services and support are readily accessible throughout the district.
- Maldon town: The district’s main hub, offering a mix of amenities and historical charm.
- Burnham-on-Crouch: Known for its maritime heritage and vibrant community spirit.
- Heybridge: A thriving residential area with convenient access to the district’s resources.
- Southminster: Offers a peaceful setting with community facilities and local services.
- Rural villages and coastal parishes: Encompassing the picturesque and varied landscape that defines the district, ensuring even the less populous areas are well-served.
The council’s wide reach ensures that all residents, from the largest towns to the smallest villages, benefit from its initiatives and services.
Accessing local energy scheme funding
The local allocation for energy-saving schemes in the Maldon District is limited, which means funding is distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. This approach ensures quick action and effective allocation of resources to those who need them most. It’s crucial for residents to act quickly if they wish to benefit from any available assistance.
To help you get started, a no-obligation eligibility check is available. This check allows residents to determine whether they qualify for assistance without any commitment. It’s a straightforward way to explore your options and take the first step towards improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Important scheme details and requirements
When considering energy efficiency upgrades, it’s important to note that the scheme is not available to social housing tenants or residents of Northern Ireland. For residents in Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive can provide guidance and alternatives.
The process complies with PAS 2035 standards, ensuring high-quality assessments and installations. All work is performed by TrustMark-approved installers, guaranteeing that improvements are carried out by certified professionals. Rest assured, your personal data is handled securely throughout the process, respecting privacy and confidentiality.
Eligibility for the scheme is confirmed during the survey section, ensuring that only those who qualify receive the necessary support. This ensures resources are directed to homes that will benefit most from energy-saving upgrades.
Introducing Energy Saving Grants and how we can help you
At Energy Saving Grants, we specialise in helping homeowners, landlords, tenants, and small to medium-sized businesses access government funding to improve their property’s energy efficiency. With our deep industry experience, we guide clients through the grant application process, covering areas like insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy installations. Our dedicated team handles everything from eligibility checks to installation coordination, ensuring a seamless experience without any stress.
We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive support, from an initial free consultation to determine your eligibility, to helping you apply for grants, and coordinating trusted installers to carry out the work. We are committed to providing transparent, effective solutions tailored to your needs. With Energy Saving Grants, you not only save on energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Don’t wait to make your property more energy-efficient. Use our Grant Checker form today to find out if you qualify for available energy-saving grants. Taking the first step is easy and could lead to significant improvements in your home or business’s energy consumption and comfort.
Local insights into ECO grants
Now that we’ve explored the main aspects of energy grants and eligibility, it’s time to focus on more specific, locally-relevant information. The upcoming sections will provide valuable insights into how ECO grants are applied across the various areas governed by Maldon District Council. Discover who benefits the most and how local support can simplify access to these energy-saving opportunities.
Introduction to Maldon District Council
Maldon District Council is based in the town of Maldon, located in Essex. As a non-metropolitan district council, it is part of the larger Essex County Council framework, focusing on delivering essential services to local communities.
The council is dedicated to managing various aspects of community life, including housing and planning, environmental health, and waste collection and recycling. They also play a key role in promoting economic development and tourism, while championing climate action and sustainability efforts. With a commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, Maldon District Council works proactively to address environmental challenges.
Accessing energy grants in Maldon district
Maldon District Council plays a crucial role in facilitating access to ECO and LA Flex energy grants for residents. Through local administration, they ensure that funding is more accessible by applying flexible eligibility criteria and working with verified installers. This initiative is tailored to meet the diverse needs of homes across different areas, amplifying the benefits of energy efficiency improvements.
- Maldon town: Offers support for historic and mixed housing, ensuring older properties can benefit from energy-saving upgrades.
- Burnham-on-Crouch: Residents in this maritime town receive assistance to improve coastal homes, combating unique environmental challenges.
- Heybridge: Support is available for modern and expanding residential areas, helping newer homes maintain top-notch energy efficiency.
- Southminster: Targets homes that might face higher energy costs, ensuring they receive much-needed upgrades to reduce bills.
- Rural villages and coastal parishes: Customised support for off-grid properties, enabling easier access to renewable energy and insulation solutions.
Energy Saving Grants collaborates closely with Maldon District Council, enhancing these efforts by providing expertise and assisting residents in navigating the funding process. These combined efforts ensure that more homes in various parts of the district can benefit from improved energy efficiency.
Understanding LA Flex eligibility
LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is an extension of the traditional energy grants programme that allows households not receiving standard benefits to qualify for assistance. This scheme considers alternative factors such as income level, age, or health conditions. By incorporating these variables, LA Flex broadens the eligibility criteria to support more residents who may not otherwise qualify for energy-saving measures.
Maldon District Council sets these local rules, tailoring the scheme to address specific community needs. This flexibility ensures that residents in the district can access the support they need, making it easier for households to benefit from energy efficiency improvements, regardless of their traditional benefit status.
Regional variations in energy grant uptake
Energy grant activity across the Maldon district varies, reflecting the unique characteristics and needs of each area. In Maldon town, where many homes are historical or period properties, common upgrades include wall insulation and the installation of modern heating systems to preserve the character while improving efficiency. The uptake has been high, as residents are keen to maintain the charm of their older homes while reducing energy costs. Burnham-on-Crouch, with its coastal exposure, sees a significant interest in insulation against dampness and salt-air corrosion, helping to protect and enhance home durability.
In Heybridge, where new developments are more common, there’s a growing interest in renewable energy installations like solar panels, as families aim to reduce their carbon footprint. Meanwhile, in Southminster, where homes often face higher energy costs, grants for efficient boilers and improved insulation help lower expenses. Rural villages and coastal parishes with many off-grid properties utilise grants for renewable heating solutions, like air source heat pumps, enabling residents to upgrade their homes sustainably. Each area shows how grant programmes adapt to meet local demands and improve living conditions.
Keeping informed about ECO funding changes
ECO funding is allocated in rounds, with each cycle having specific eligibility criteria that may change over time. As the programme evolves, aspects such as income levels, property types, or qualifying conditions can be updated to better meet the community’s energy efficiency needs. This means that even if a household hasn’t qualified in the past, they might become eligible in future rounds as guidelines adjust.
Residents in the Maldon district should stay informed about these changes to ensure they’re ready to benefit when opportunities arise. It’s important to regularly check for updates on local policies and LA Flex guidelines, as these can have a significant impact on eligibility. Staying prepared will mean residents can promptly take action when a new funding round matches their situation.
Making homes efficient with local support
Local delivery and community-specific grant access, supported by Maldon District Council, ensure that every resident—from the coast to the countryside—has the opportunity to enhance the warmth and efficiency of their home. These initiatives are deeply rooted in the local community, providing tailored support that meets unique needs and challenges.
Take control of your home’s energy efficiency with Energy Saving Grants. Contact our team today at 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org to explore how you can benefit from available grants. Our experts are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Common questions about energy grants in Maldon
The local authority in Maldon plays a crucial role in facilitating access to energy grants. They set flexible eligibility criteria through the LA Flex scheme, making it easier for residents to qualify. This ensures that energy-saving measures are tailored to the specific needs of the community.
You can check eligibility through the governing body of Maldon, which provides various resources to help residents determine if they qualify. Online tools and local advisors can guide you through the eligibility criteria. Regular updates ensure you have the latest information on qualifying for grants.
Yes, Maldon civic administration offers grants for a variety of energy upgrades. These include insulation, efficient heating, and renewable energy installations. By covering multiple improvements, the aim is to increase both comfort and energy efficiency across homes in the district.
The municipal leaders of Maldon have implemented LA Flex to widen eligibility criteria. This means factors like income level, health, and property type are considered, even if you don’t qualify through traditional channels. This approach allows more residents to access much-needed energy improvements.
It’s a good idea to regularly check with the council office in Maldon for updates on energy grants. Eligibility criteria and available funding can change between rounds, so staying informed will help you take advantage of new opportunities. Updated information can usually be found on their official website or through local news outlets.
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.