Energy Company Obligation (ECO) brings financial relief to Powys homeowners
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 Powys face high energy bills due to older homes and limited access to efficient fuel options. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme can help by funding upgrades like insulation and heating systems. These improvements lower energy costs and reduce emissions.
For homeowners, the ECO scheme offers an essential chance to make homes more affordable to heat. This reduces financial pressure and helps maintain a comfortable living environment.
This page supports our content about ECO energy grants and you can find other in-depth information about boiler grant eligibility by following this link. You can also explore more local information through our county hub to see what energy-saving options are available in your area.
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Connecting Powys residents to energy savings
Curious about how to maximise the benefits of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals in Powys access government funding for energy efficiency projects. We assist with assessing eligibility, guide you through the grant application, and coordinate installations, delivering reduced energy bills and greater comfort. Read on to discover how you can benefit.
Understanding the ECO scheme and its benefits
The ECO scheme plays a crucial role in helping households tackle fuel poverty and cut emissions. Through targeted energy efficiency upgrades, it makes homes more affordable and sustainable.
- Purpose: ECO aims to reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions by improving home energy efficiency.
- How it works: The scheme provides financial support for energy-saving improvements, funded by major energy suppliers.
- Who funds it: Large energy companies in the UK fund ECO, making it possible to deliver widespread energy efficiency measures.
- Upgrades it covers: The scheme includes upgrades such as insulation, heating systems, and some renewable energy installations.
- Target audience: ECO focuses on low-income and vulnerable households, with support from the LA Flex and the Powys Council to reach those in need.
By understanding these key elements of ECO, residents can take advantage of these benefits to enhance their home’s energy efficiency.
Challenges of local housing energy efficiency
Powys presents unique housing challenges influenced by its rural landscape and older building stock. Understanding these factors can highlight the importance of energy efficiency schemes like ECO.
- Type/age: Many homes in Powys are older stone cottages and farmhouses, often requiring significant energy updates.
- Heating fuels: A large number of properties rely on solid fuels or oil due to limited access to the gas grid.
- Urban vs rural gaps: There are notable differences in energy efficiency between urban areas and rural communities in Powys.
- Poor EPC trends: Many homes in the area have low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, indicating poor energy efficiency.
- Off-grid issues: The prevalence of off-grid homes poses additional challenges for accessing reliable and affordable heating options.
Addressing these issues is key to improving living conditions and reducing energy costs for Powys residents.
Local energy challenges and statistics
The energy statistics for Powys highlight significant challenges in energy use and efficiency, underscoring the area’s pressing needs. These figures reveal the scale of fuel poverty and the urgent demand for affordable heating solutions.
- Fuel poverty: In Powys, 20–22% of households experience fuel poverty, compared to 14% nationally.
- Severe fuel poverty: About 7–8% of households in isolated upland areas face severe fuel poverty.
- EPC ratings: Many homes in Powys fall into EPC bands D–E or worse, indicating poor energy efficiency.
- Heating costs: Homes off the gas grid pay 25–40% more for heating using oil, LPG, or electricity.
- Geography factor: Rural and upland areas lead to higher heating bills due to increased demand.
These statistics highlight the need for action, emphasising how the ECO scheme can provide essential support to improve home energy efficiency in Powys.
Why EPC ratings matter
Understanding a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is crucial for homeowners, tenants, landlords, and local councils in the UK. An EPC offers insights into energy consumption, potential cost savings, and ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency. This is increasingly relevant as energy costs rise and the importance of reducing carbon emissions becomes more apparent. Moreover, addressing EPC ratings can play a role in alleviating fuel poverty.
- A–C: Energy Efficient
- Homes with A, B, and C ratings have excellent energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
Investing in improvements such as enhanced insulation, efficient heating systems, and LED lighting can help achieve these ratings.
- Homes with A, B, and C ratings have excellent energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
- D: Average
- Properties with a D rating reflect the typical UK home, balancing reasonable energy usage with moderate running costs.
Simple upgrades, like improving wall or loft insulation and upgrading to modern double glazing, can elevate a home from a D rating to a more efficient category.
- Properties with a D rating reflect the typical UK home, balancing reasonable energy usage with moderate running costs.
- E–G: Poor
- Homes rated E, F, or G suffer from high energy consumption and expensive running costs, often leading to issues such as draughts and inadequate heating.
- Upgrades such as installing new boilers, increasing insulation, and updating windows are critical for improving these ratings.
Link Ratings to Upgrade Types
- The recommended improvements to achieve better EPC ratings directly correlate with modernising insulation, heating systems, and implementing advanced energy solutions.
- Access to government resources and schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) can support necessary upgrades for lower-rated properties, ensuring better living conditions and financial savings.
EPC ratings offer a valuable assessment of a property’s energy performance, directly affecting living costs and comfort levels, especially in the face of fuel poverty challenges. By understanding and improving EPC ratings through strategic upgrades, homeowners and landlords can significantly reduce energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. As regulations continue to evolve, taking proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency is not only financially prudent but essential for meeting legal standards and improving quality of life.
Tackling fuel poverty in Powys communities
Fuel poverty occurs when a household spends a significant portion of its income on energy, often leaving insufficient funds for other essentials like food. In Powys, areas such as Newtown, Welshpool, and Brecon face these challenges due to older homes needing upgrades. Households in Llandrindod Wells, Ystradgynlais, and rural hamlets like Knighton and Llanidloes also grapple with high heating costs, particularly where homes are off the gas grid.
Residents in these areas often face difficult choices, such as whether to heat their homes or buy groceries. For instance, families in Ystradgynlais, a town with higher deprivation, and those in the market towns with older properties may struggle with inadequate insulation, leading to inefficient heating. These circumstances heighten health risks such as respiratory illnesses, especially in children and the elderly.
The ECO scheme offers valuable support for these communities. By funding improvements like insulation and efficient heating systems, ECO helps to alleviate the cost burden and improves living conditions. This support is critical for towns from Machynlleth to Hay-on-Wye, where efficient energy use can significantly impact health and quality of life.
Eligibility routes for ECO support
The ECO scheme provides support by targeting households facing energy efficiency challenges. Understanding the eligibility criteria is key to accessing the benefits it offers in reducing fuel poverty.
- Means-tested benefits: Households receiving certain benefits automatically qualify.
- Low income (via LA Flex): Local authorities can identify low-income households for support.
- EPC ratings D-G: Properties with poor energy efficiency ratings may be eligible.
- Health issues: Residents with health conditions aggravated by poor heating can qualify.
- Rural homes: Off-grid rural properties with high heating costs are included.
- Tenants: Renters may also benefit if their homes meet other qualifying criteria.
These routes highlight who can benefit most from the scheme. By recognising eligibility, more residents can access the improvements needed to lower 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 their benefits
Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency can make a big difference in comfort and cost savings. The ECO scheme offers various improvements to help achieve a warmer, more efficient home.
- Loft, wall, and roof insulation: Keeps heat in, making your home warmer and reducing heating bills.
- Central heating systems: Provides reliable warmth throughout the home, increasing comfort.
- Electric heaters: Modern, efficient models offer targeted heating where needed.
- Renewable energy installations: Options like solar panels can lower energy costs and reduce reliance on traditional fuels.
- Boiler replacements: New, efficient boilers can significantly cut energy consumption and expenses.
- Ventilation upgrades: Ensures better air quality and reduces dampness and mould.
These upgrades do more than just save money—they enhance your home environment. By accessing the ECO scheme, homeowners can achieve a balance of efficiency and comfort.
Steps to accessing ECO home improvements
Navigating the steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency through the ECO scheme can be straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
- Eligibility checker: Determine if your household qualifies for the ECO scheme.
- Speak to an advisor: Get personalised advice on available improvements and funding.
- Book a free survey: Arrange for an assessment to identify the best upgrades for your home.
- Install: Professional installation of approved energy efficiency measures.
- Receive documents: Obtain completion certificates and any necessary paperwork.
Following these steps ensures a smooth process from assessment to installation. Taking these actions can lead to a more comfortable and cost-effective home.
Understanding MEES rules for landlords
Once you’ve improved your property’s energy efficiency, it’s important to understand the legal requirements under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). These rules ensure rented homes meet certain efficiency levels.
- Band E minimum: Landlords must ensure their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band E to legally rent them out.
- How ECO helps landlords comply: The ECO scheme provides funding to make necessary upgrades, helping landlords achieve the required standards.
- Exemptions: Certain properties may be exempt from MEES rules, such as those where improvements cannot be made or where costs are disproportionate.
Complying with MEES not only keeps landlords within legal requirements but also improves property value and tenant satisfaction. By leveraging resources like the ECO scheme, landlords can achieve compliance more easily and cost-effectively.
Act quickly for ECO funding opportunities
Funding under the ECO scheme is often limited in local areas, making it essential for residents to act quickly. The programme operates on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning once the allocation is used up, further applications may be put on hold until more funding becomes available.
To make the most of this opportunity, a no-obligation eligibility check can quickly determine if your household qualifies. This step allows you to plan ahead and ensure you don’t miss out on available improvements and savings. Prompt action helps secure the support you need before funding runs out.
Key ECO eligibility and compliance details
While the ECO scheme provides valuable support for improving home energy efficiency, it’s not available to all. Social housing tenants and residents of Northern Ireland are not eligible for this funding. Those in Northern Ireland can explore options through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
The scheme aligns with PAS 2035 compliance, ensuring high standards in retrofit projects. Only registered TrustMark installers can carry out work under ECO, guaranteeing quality and professionalism.
Your data is handled securely throughout the process. Eligibility is confirmed during a home survey, which is essential for planning the necessary improvements. This ensures that both the quality and confidentiality of the service meet national standards.
Discover energy savings with our expert guidance
At Energy Saving Grants, our mission is to assist homeowners, landlords, tenants, and small to medium-sized businesses in accessing government-funded grants for energy efficiency improvements. Established in the UK, we have built a strong reputation for guiding clients through the complex grant application process, helping them secure funding for projects like insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations. Our experienced team provides personalised advice to ensure you benefit from significant cost savings and enhanced property comfort.
Our streamlined process involves an initial free consultation to assess your eligibility. Once qualified, we manage everything from grant applications to coordinating installations. Working with TrustMark-accredited installers, we guarantee quality service and peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading insulation or installing a new heating system, our support makes the entire process simple and stress-free.
We invite you to take the first step towards a more energy-efficient property by using our Grant Checker form today. It’s a quick and easy way to find out which grants you qualify for and begin your journey towards lower energy bills and a more sustainable home or business.
Local council support for energy efficiency
After understanding the various grants and eligibility criteria, it’s helpful to see how local support can facilitate access to these resources. In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore how Powys County Council, along with other local authorities, plays a crucial role in implementing energy efficiency projects. These insights will show how local partnerships and initiatives make it easier for residents to benefit from available support.
Understanding the role of local councils
Councils play a vital role in local governance, managing services that impact daily life. They are responsible for areas such as education, transport, housing, and social services. Councils ensure communities have the infrastructure and support needed to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Beyond providing services, councils act as a bridge between government policies and local needs. They listen to residents’ concerns and adapt programs to better suit the community. By promoting local initiatives and partnerships, councils help improve quality of life and foster community development.
Governance in Powys: A single council authority
In Powys, local governance is streamlined under a single unitary authority, providing comprehensive services to the entire county. This structure ensures consistent management and implementation of policies across the region.
- Powys County Council (Cyngor Sir Powys): The sole governing council for the county, responsible for all local government functions.
This unified approach allows Powys County Council to effectively address the diverse needs of its communities, ensuring efficient service delivery and policy implementation.
Understanding LA Flex eligibility
LA Flex, short for Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is a key component of the ECO scheme. It allows households that don’t qualify through traditional benefits to still access support for energy efficiency improvements. Through LA Flex, councils have the authority to set their own criteria based on local needs, considering factors such as income levels, age, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities. This flexibility ensures that the scheme addresses the unique challenges faced by different communities, enabling more households to benefit from energy savings and improved living conditions.
Varying energy grant activities across councils
Energy grant activity can vary significantly across different councils, tailored to the unique needs of each town. In Newtown, for example, where many Victorian terraced houses lack proper insulation, the local council has prioritised loft and wall insulation upgrades. These improvements have become popular as they significantly reduce heating costs for residents. Uptake has been high, with grants making it easier for homeowners to complete these necessary upgrades.
Meanwhile, in Brecon, a historic town known for its older stone cottages, the council has focused on installing modern central heating systems and upgrading outdated boilers. These solutions address the challenge of efficiently heating larger, older buildings that were not designed with energy efficiency in mind. As a result, many residents have been able to cut their energy bills while enjoying a more comfortable home environment.
Staying updated on ECO funding changes
ECO funding is released in rounds, and with each new round, the eligibility criteria can change. This means that even if a household wasn’t eligible before, it might qualify in a future round due to shifts in requirements or local priorities. Councils often adapt their criteria to better meet community needs, which can affect who is eligible for support through the scheme.
To stay prepared, it’s important for residents to regularly check for updates on local policies and LA Flex guidelines. These updates can provide new opportunities to access energy efficiency improvements. Keeping informed means you’ll be ready to take advantage of changes that might make your household eligible for future rounds of funding. Staying proactive and aware ensures you won’t miss out on potential benefits.
Empowering Powys residents with local energy solutions
Local delivery of energy grants, tailored to the specific needs of communities, demonstrates the essential role of council support. From the coastlines to the countryside, every Powys resident has the opportunity to make their home warmer and more efficient. With grants that are designed with the local community in mind, residents can access the resources they need to improve their living conditions and reduce energy costs.
Take the first step toward an energy-efficient home by reaching out to Energy Saving Grants. Our team is ready to assist you in navigating available grants and securing the improvements you need. Contact us today at 0330 223 0333 or email us at info@energysavinggrants.org for more information and personalised support.
Common questions about energy grants and the ECO scheme
The ECO scheme is a UK Government initiative aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households. It provides funding for measures such as insulation and heating upgrades. This scheme significantly benefits residents of the largest Welsh county by reducing fuel costs and improving home warmth.
Eligibility for energy grants typically includes households receiving certain benefits, those on low incomes, or properties with poor energy performance. Local authorities can also set specific criteria under LA Flex to meet local needs. In the mid-Wales region, this flexibility helps address the unique challenges faced by different communities.
To determine eligibility, you can use an eligibility checker provided by many energy-saving services. These checks review factors such as income, property type, and existing benefits. Staying informed about council policies in the central Wales area can also provide insights on updated eligibility rules.
Energy grants cover a range of improvements including loft insulation, central heating, boiler replacements, and even some renewable technologies. These upgrades significantly enhance energy efficiency and lower utility bills. In the heart of Wales, such improvements are crucial for older homes that require extensive energy updates.
Local councils implement and promote energy efficiency programmes by working with government initiatives like the ECO scheme. They set flexible criteria to better meet the needs of their communities. This ensures that every household in the Welsh county of vast landscapes has the opportunity to benefit from more efficient homes.
In Powys, the ECO grants are typically administered by local councils that aim to improve energy efficiency for residents. To find which councils offer these grants, you can refer to the local authority responsible for the region.
- Powys County Council (Cyngor Sir Powys)
Several councils across the UK offer boiler grants to eligible residents as part of their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. In Powys, the available council is:
- Powys County Council (Cyngor Sir Powys)
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.