Save on energy bills with the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) through Perth and Kinross 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
Residents of Perth and Kinross Council face high energy bills due to older, inefficient homes, especially in rural areas with off-grid reliance. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, supported by Perth and Kinross Council, offers solutions such as improved insulation and heating upgrades to help reduce these costs. By targeting homes in need, the scheme helps residents save money and increase energy efficiency.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is crucial for homeowners as it not only lowers energy expenses but also enhances home comfort and sustainability. By participating, homeowners can directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and supporting environmental goals.
This page supports our content on the Energy Company Obligation Grant, offering further insight into its benefits. You can find additional information on Perth and Kinross by following this link.
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Explore how Energy Saving Grants benefit your home
Curious about how to cut your energy costs further? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals access government funding for energy efficiency projects. We guide you through the process, from checking eligibility to coordinating installations, ensuring significant savings and comfort for your home or business. Read on to discover how you can benefit from reduced energy bills and improved energy efficiency.
Understanding the purpose and benefits of ECO
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency in homes across the UK. Here’s a closer look at how ECO operates and who it benefits.
- Purpose: ECO’s primary goal is to lessen fuel poverty and decrease emissions by enhancing home energy efficiency.
- How It Works: ECO provides funding for energy-saving upgrades through participating energy companies, which collaborate with local councils to identify eligible properties.
- Who Funds It: Major energy suppliers fund ECO as part of their commitment to reducing their environmental impact and supporting government energy policies.
- Upgrades It Covers: The scheme includes improvements like insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations to make homes more energy-efficient.
- Target Audience: ECO targets low-income households and those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, with additional provisions like LA Flex that allow local councils to extend eligibility to more residents.
ECO plays a crucial role in creating more sustainable and comfortable living environments while also supporting national carbon reduction goals.
Housing challenges and opportunities in energy efficiency
Perth and Kinross Council’s housing landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for improving energy efficiency and comfort. Here’s an overview of its key characteristics.
- Type/Age: The housing stock includes a mix of Victorian stone tenements, interwar and post-war estates, and rural cottages, many of which are older with diverse architectural styles.
- Heating Fuels: Many homes rely on oil and electricity due to limited access to gas networks, especially in rural areas.
- Urban vs Rural Gaps: Urban areas feature more structured developments, while rural areas include dispersed housing with distinct energy challenges.
- Poor EPC Trends: Around 41% of homes fall within EPC Bands D–G, indicating significant room for improvements in energy efficiency.
- Off-Grid Issues: A considerable number of households are off-grid, facing higher energy costs and limited heating options.
Addressing these challenges can lead to enhanced energy performance and reduced costs for residents across Perth and Kinross.
Energy statistics reveal urgent improvement needs
The energy statistics for the Perth and Kinross Council area highlight a pressing need for targeted improvements in energy use and efficiency. These statistics provide a clear picture of the current challenges residents face in achieving more sustainable energy consumption.
- Approximately 41% of homes in Perth and Kinross fall into EPC Bands D–G, indicating low energy efficiency.
- Nearly 24% of households experience fuel poverty, with higher rates in rural areas.
- Many homes rely on oil and electricity for heating due to extensive off-gas housing.
- Older housing stock, including Victorian and interwar properties, presents challenges like solid walls and ageing boilers.
- Domestic heating is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in the area.
These statistics underline the urgent need for action to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Implementing the ECO scheme can play a critical role in addressing these issues and supporting residents in making necessary home improvements.
Understanding EPC ratings and their impact
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives insight into a property’s energy efficiency and potential areas for improvement. Understanding these ratings can help you make informed decisions about energy use and potential upgrades.
- A: Homes with this rating are the most energy-efficient, featuring very low energy use and minimal running costs. These properties often have advanced insulation and modern heating systems.
- B & C: These homes exhibit above-average energy efficiency. They have good insulation and effective heating mechanisms, resulting in moderate energy costs.
- D: The most common rating for UK homes, indicating average energy efficiency. Homes with this rating have room for improvement in areas like insulation and heating.
- E, F & G: Properties with these ratings face high energy use and running costs. These homes can be cold and hard to heat, often leading to higher energy bills and potential issues with comfort.
EPC ratings can have a direct impact on your energy costs. Understanding your home’s rating can also highlight the risk of fuel poverty, an issue we’ll explore further in the next section.
Addressing fuel poverty and health risks with ECO support
Fuel poverty occurs when a household cannot afford to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost. This often affects residents in areas like Perth, Blairgowrie, and Pitlochry, where older homes and off-grid heating systems can lead to high energy bills. In such cases, families might have to make difficult choices, such as deciding between heating their home or buying food.
Living in fuel poverty poses serious health risks, particularly for the elderly and young children. Cold homes can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. In communities like Crieff, Kinross, and Aberfeldy, these risks are exacerbated in winter, making it crucial for affected households to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
The ECO scheme offers support by funding energy efficiency upgrades, providing relief to those struggling with fuel poverty. By targeting high-need areas such as Highland and rural communities, ECO helps residents access better heating solutions and insulation. This support not only reduces energy bills but also contributes to healthier living environments.
Eligibility routes for ECO support
Understanding your eligibility for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) can help you access vital support for improving your home’s energy efficiency. Here are several routes that can qualify you for assistance.
- Means-tested Benefits: Households receiving certain benefits may be eligible for ECO support, ensuring those most in need get assistance.
- Low Income (via LA Flex): Local authorities can extend eligibility to low-income households through the LA Flex scheme, broadening access to energy-saving measures.
- EPC D-G: Homes with lower EPC ratings (D to G) are prioritised for upgrades, targeting properties with the greatest need for energy improvements.
- Health Issues: Households with residents suffering from health conditions exacerbated by cold homes may qualify for help.
- Rural Homes: Homes in rural areas often face higher energy costs and may access support for off-grid or harder-to-treat properties.
- Tenants: Tenants in eligible properties can benefit from ECO improvements, reducing their energy expenses and improving living conditions.
Exploring these eligibility routes can open the door to significant energy savings and enhanced comfort in your home. Assessing your situation against these criteria could be the first step towards a more energy-efficient future.
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 upgrades and their benefits
Improving your home’s energy efficiency can lead to considerable savings and a more comfortable living environment. Here are some key upgrades you might consider and their benefits.
- Loft, Wall, and Roof Insulation: These reduce heat loss and keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, leading to lower energy bills.
- Central Heating: Installing or upgrading central heating can provide consistent warmth throughout your home, enhancing comfort during colder months.
- Electric Heaters: Modern electric heaters are more efficient and can be a convenient option for spaces without central heating.
- Renewables: Options like solar panels harness natural energy sources, reducing your reliance on traditional fuels and lowering energy costs over time.
- Boilers: Replacing an older boiler with a new, efficient model can significantly decrease your heating expenses and improve reliability.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps control moisture, reducing the risk of mould and improving air quality in your home.
Considering these upgrades can not only reduce your energy costs but also create a healthier home environment. Each improvement brings you closer to a more sustainable way of living.
Steps to improve your home's energy efficiency
Navigating the process of improving your home’s energy efficiency starts with understanding the steps involved. Here’s how you can access support and upgrades through the available programmes.
- Eligibility Checker: Begin by using an eligibility checker to see if you qualify for energy efficiency schemes.
- Speak to Advisor: Consult with an advisor who can provide tailored information and explain your options.
- Book Free Survey: Arrange a no-cost survey of your home to assess its current energy efficiency and identify potential improvements.
- Install: Once approved, have the recommended upgrades installed by qualified professionals to maximise energy savings.
- Receive Documents: Receive documentation detailing the completed work, which can support future property evaluations and transactions.
Following these steps will help ensure you benefit fully from the available energy efficiency measures. Taking action now can lead to long-term savings and enhanced comfort in your home.
Understanding MEES and how ECO supports compliance
As you explore options for enhancing your home’s energy efficiency, it’s essential to understand regulatory requirements, like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). These rules impact landlords and rental properties.
- Band E Minimum: MEES require rental properties to have at least an EPC rating of Band E, ensuring tenants live in homes with acceptable energy efficiency.
- How ECO Helps: The ECO scheme provides support for landlords by funding necessary upgrades, helping them meet MEES requirements and improve their properties’ energy performance.
- Exemptions: Some properties may qualify for exemptions from MEES if they meet specific criteria, although documentation for these cases is necessary.
Keeping in mind the MEES rules can guide you towards necessary energy improvements and ensure compliance, safeguarding both landlords and tenants. Understanding these requirements and leveraging available support helps create better living conditions and energy savings.
Areas served by Perth and Kinross Council
Perth and Kinross Council provides comprehensive coverage across a diverse range of towns, villages, and rural areas. This ensures that all residents, regardless of location, have access to the services and support they need.
- Perth: The central and largest town in the area, offering a hub of services and amenities.
- Blairgowrie: Known for its beautiful landscapes and community spirit, it’s a key area within the council’s jurisdiction.
- Pitlochry: A popular tourist destination with vibrant local activities, benefiting from council services.
- Crieff: Offers a mix of cultural and historical attractions, with full council support available.
- Kinross: Known for its Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross is a vital part of the region supported by council services.
- Aberfeldy: Offers scenic views and is an important community within the council area.
- Highland and Rural Communities: Extensive rural landscapes are included, ensuring even the most remote areas receive equal attention.
Perth and Kinross Council’s extensive coverage ensures that all residents, whether in bustling towns or quiet rural settings, have access to the necessary resources and services. This commitment helps maintain vibrant and accessible communities throughout the region.
Accessing limited energy funding opportunities
Funding for energy efficiency improvements through local schemes can be limited, so it’s important to act promptly. These programmes often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning those who apply early have a greater chance of securing support for upgrades.
To make it easier to take advantage of these opportunities, a no-obligation eligibility check is available. This check helps determine whether you qualify for assistance, allowing you to explore your options without any commitment.
Eligibility and compliance for energy programmes
Access to certain energy efficiency programmes may be limited based on residency and housing type. These programmes are not available to social housing residents or those living in Northern Ireland, where the Northern Ireland Housing Executive oversees similar initiatives.
Compliance with PAS 2035 standards ensures that any upgrades adhere to a recognised framework for energy retrofits. This compliance is met through TrustMark-registered installers, guaranteeing high-quality work and consumer protection.
Data security remains a priority during the application process. Your information is handled securely, ensuring your privacy is maintained at all times. Final eligibility is confirmed during a home survey, giving you clarity on the support you’re entitled to receive.
Get started with Energy Saving Grants today
At Energy Saving Grants, our mission is to help homeowners, landlords, and small to medium-sized businesses access government funding for energy efficiency improvements. Our experienced team guides you through every step of the process, from assessing eligibility to coordinating installations, ensuring a smooth and successful experience in securing grants for projects like insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy solutions.
We prioritise making energy efficiency accessible and transparent, offering free consultations and eligibility checks without any obligation. By partnering with TrustMark-accredited installers, we ensure high-quality service and workmanship. Additionally, our comprehensive service covers everything from initial assessment to installation, providing you with peace of mind and long-term energy savings.
To take the next step toward a more energy-efficient property, we encourage you to use our Grant Checker form today. This simple tool helps you explore your eligibility and potential options for funding energy-saving improvements. Start your journey towards lower energy bills and a more sustainable future with Energy Saving Grants.
Local insights into ECO grants and support
Having explored the details of grant eligibility and the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades, we now turn our focus to the local context. The upcoming sections will provide valuable insights into how ECO grants operate within the areas covered by Perth and Kinross Council. You’ll discover who benefits the most and how local support makes it easier to access these essential upgrades, ensuring a smoother path to energy efficiency for residents in this region.
Introducing Perth and Kinross Council
Perth and Kinross Council is situated in the heart of Scotland, with its headquarters located at 2 High Street, Perth. As a major administrative body in the region, the Council oversees a population of approximately 152,000 residents and plays a crucial role in local governance and community support.
The Council’s responsibilities extend across various essential services, including housing and energy initiatives, social care, education, and environmental management. By addressing local needs and implementing sustainable practices, Perth and Kinross Council actively contributes to the well-being and development of the communities within its jurisdiction.
Energy grants support in Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross Council plays a pivotal role in helping residents access ECO and LA Flex energy grants. By offering tailored local support, the Council ensures that more households can benefit from energy efficiency improvements through flexible eligibility criteria and trusted installers.
- Perth: In the central hub, the Council facilitates easy access to grants for a mix of Victorian and modern properties, ensuring energy upgrades reach those in need.
- Blairgowrie: Support here focuses on homes with diverse architectural styles, enabling residents to make significant improvements through verified installers.
- Pitlochry: Known for its scenic beauty, this area benefits from the Council’s efforts to reach more rural properties reliant on costly energy systems.
- Crieff: The historic town sees dedicated support to upgrade older homes, often using trusted local installers to raise EPC ratings.
- Kinross: The Council’s targeted grant efforts aid in enhancing energy efficiency for family homes, balancing renovations with environmental care.
- Aberfeldy and Rural Areas: In more isolated communities, the Council’s flexible eligibility options, coupled with the expertise of companies like Energy Saving Grants, help off-grid homes secure necessary funding and reduce fuel costs.
Perth and Kinross Council ensures that the process of accessing energy grants is straightforward and effective, with an emphasis on supporting varied housing needs across the area. This local administration, in partnership with Energy Saving Grants, makes a significant impact on the community’s journey toward more sustainable living.
Understanding LA Flex for local energy support
LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is an initiative that allows local councils to extend access to energy grants beyond traditional benefit recipients. This flexibility means that households in Perth and Kinross, which might not qualify under standard criteria, can still receive support if they meet specific local conditions such as low income, age, or health concerns. Perth and Kinross Council sets these local rules, tailoring the scheme to address the unique needs of its residents. This approach ensures a more inclusive allocation of energy efficiency measures, helping a wider range of households improve their homes and reduce energy costs.
Energy grant activity across Perth and Kinross
Energy grant activity in Perth and Kinross varies considerably across the region, reflecting the diverse needs and characteristics of its towns. In Perth, for instance, many residents living in Victorian stone tenements have taken advantage of grants to install loft insulation and upgrade old boilers. These improvements are popular choices as they significantly enhance energy efficiency in these older structures. Meanwhile, in Blairgowrie, a town known for its mix of architectural styles, grants have often been used for wall insulation and central heating upgrades, leading to notable increases in comfort and reduced energy bills.
In more rural areas like Pitlochry and Aberfeldy, where traditional cottages and off-grid homes are common, residents frequently opt for renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and air source heat pumps. These upgrades address the high energy costs and reliance on oil or electricity for heating. In Kinross, the focus is often on cavity wall insulation and modern electric heaters in family homes, helping to alleviate the challenges posed by cold winters. Across these towns, the uptake of energy grants has facilitated a range of improvements, tailored to meet local housing needs and enhance overall energy efficiency in the region.
Stay informed on ECO funding updates
ECO funding is distributed in rounds, which means the availability of grants and the specific eligibility criteria can change over time. This adaptive approach ensures that funding aligns with current energy efficiency goals and the evolving needs of communities. As a result, households that may not qualify in one round could become eligible in future rounds as criteria shift to include broader factors.
Residents in Perth and Kinross should stay informed about any changes to local policies and LA Flex guidelines. Regularly checking for updates allows you to be prepared for when new funding becomes available. By keeping abreast of the latest information, you can ensure that you won’t miss out on opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency when the next round of ECO funding is announced.
Making your home efficient with local support
Local delivery of energy grants and the personalised approach of Perth and Kinross Council ensure that every resident, from the coast to the countryside, has the opportunity to make their home warmer and more energy-efficient. With community-specific access and robust council support, you can receive tailored assistance that meets your unique needs and contributes to overall sustainability in the region.
To take advantage of these opportunities, get in touch with Energy Saving Grants today. Our team is ready to help you navigate the application process and secure the funding you need. Call us on 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org to start your journey towards a more comfortable and cost-effective home.
Common questions about energy grants in Perth and Kinross
ECO funding helps improve energy efficiency in homes by providing financial support for upgrades like insulation and heating. This support reduces energy bills and increases comfort, especially beneficial for those in colder climates. The Perthshire and Kinross Administrative Body manages access to this funding for eligible households.
LA Flex grants are available to households that may not meet traditional benefit criteria but still need support due to factors like low income, age, or health issues. The Perth and Kinross Municipal Authority sets these local guidelines, allowing more residents to qualify. Eligibility can change, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest criteria.
The unit offers assistance through various schemes, including the ECO and LA Flex grants, to help residents improve their homes. This involves partnering with trusted installers to ensure quality work. By doing so, the unit aims to reduce energy costs and enhance living conditions across the region.
Yes, the grants support renewable energy installations like solar panels and air source heat pumps. These options can significantly reduce reliance on traditional fuels and lower energy costs over time. The Kinross and Perthshire Governance Office facilitates this process for eligible households.
Tenants can apply for grants, provided they have the landlord’s consent to make the necessary upgrades. The Local Authority of Perth and Kinross ensures that both tenants and property owners can benefit from improved energy efficiency. This inclusivity helps broaden the reach of energy-saving measures across the region.
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.