Energy Company Obligation (ECO) helps Roxburghshire residents cut energy bills.
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 in Roxburghshire face high energy bills due to older homes that are hard to insulate. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme aims to reduce these costs by funding energy efficiency measures. ECO can support improvements like better insulation and heating upgrades, easing financial burdens for these households.
This scheme is crucial for homeowners, especially those on low incomes. It helps lower energy costs and reduces carbon emissions, benefiting both the environment and household budgets.
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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Making energy savings accessible in Roxburghshire
Wondering how to make the most of funding opportunities to lower your energy bills in Roxburghshire? Energy Saving Grants can assist you in accessing the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. We specialise in helping locals secure government funding for projects like insulation, efficient heating systems, and renewable energy installations. Our simplified process evaluates eligibility, aids in grant applications, and oversees installations. These efforts lead to significant savings and improved comfort. Keep reading to discover how you can benefit.
How ECO helps reduce fuel poverty and emissions
The ECO scheme aims to make energy more affordable and sustainable. It reduces fuel poverty and lowers carbon emissions by improving home energy efficiency.
- Purpose: ECO focuses on reducing fuel poverty and decreasing carbon emissions. It helps households save money and supports environmental goals.
- How it works: Large energy suppliers are obligated to fund energy-saving improvements in eligible homes.
- Who funds it: Major energy suppliers provide the funding for these energy efficiency projects.
- Upgrades it covers: The scheme includes improvements like insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
- Target audience: ECO is designed for low-income and vulnerable households. This includes those supported by LA Flex and the local Council.
ECO is an important initiative supported by LA Flex and the local Council to ensure that more households can benefit from energy improvements.
Housing challenges and energy efficiency
Roxburghshire’s housing presents unique challenges due to its age and geographic distribution.
- Type and age: Many homes are older and traditional, including cottages, farmhouses, and town buildings.
- Heating fuels: Properties often rely on oil, coal, or other traditional fuels, which can be costly and inefficient.
- Urban vs rural gaps: Urban areas tend to have more modern infrastructure, while rural areas face greater challenges in energy efficiency.
- Poor EPC trends: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) often reveal lower ratings, indicating significant room for improvement in energy efficiency.
- Off-grid issues: In rural areas, many homes are off the gas grid, limiting access to efficient heating options.
Understanding these housing characteristics allows for tailored energy improvements that address the specific needs of Roxburghshire residents.
Local energy statistics highlight urgent needs
Energy statistics for Roxburghshire highlight the pressing need for improvements in energy efficiency. These figures shed light on both the challenges and the opportunities for targeted action in the area.
- Fuel poverty: In Scotland, about 24% of households face fuel poverty. This figure rises to 31% in rural areas like Roxburghshire.
- Extreme fuel poverty: Local authorities report that 12–15% of households experience extreme fuel poverty.
- EPC ratings: Nationally, 48% of homes achieve an EPC rating of C or above. Many homes in Roxburghshire remain in bands D–E.
- Heating costs: Rural households off the gas grid face heating costs that are 25–40% higher than those using mains gas.
- Geography impact: The region’s cold winters and upland areas lead to increased heating demand and higher energy bills.
These statistics underline the necessity for improvements in energy efficiency and emphasize the value of the ECO scheme.
Key energy statistics and needs
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an essential document that provides valuable information about a property’s energy efficiency. In the UK, understanding and improving EPC ratings is increasingly important not only for environmental reasons but also for reducing household expenditure and combating fuel poverty.
- A & B (Highly Efficient): Properties with an EPC rating of A or B are considered the most energy-efficient, boasting very low energy use and running costs. Upgrades such as advanced insulation and renewable energy installations, like solar panels, are typically implemented in these homes.
- C (Efficient): A property rated C is still considered above average in energy efficiency. Homes in this category benefit from strong insulation and modern heating systems. Retrofitting with energy-efficient windows or upgraded boilers can further improve their rating.
- D (Eligible for Improvement): Homes with a D rating fall into the average category, common among UK properties. These homes may be eligible for financial support from government schemes, which aim to improve their energy efficiency to reduce heating costs and environmental impact.
- E, F & G (Poor Efficiency): Properties with these ratings are often poorly insulated and inefficient, leading to high energy use and significant heating costs. Upgrades such as cavity wall insulation, better quality glazing, and more efficient heating systems are crucial to elevating these homes to a higher EPC rating. This is not only vital for environmental reasons but also crucial for addressing issues of fuel poverty.
Having a solid understanding of EPC ratings and their implications is vital for homeowners, tenants, and landlords alike. Improving a property’s energy efficiency not only reduces environmental impact and lowers running costs but also helps to address the broader issue of fuel poverty by making homes warmer and more affordable to run.
Addressing fuel poverty and health in Roxburghshire
Fuel poverty occurs when a household spends a high percentage of its income on energy, often due to inefficient housing or pricey fuel. In areas like Hawick and Jedburgh, with their older housing and historical ties to textiles, families face tough choices between heating their homes and affording basic needs like food. Similarly, the mixed housing in Kelso and Melrose includes many older stone buildings that are costly to heat, exacerbating the issue.
In remote villages such as Ancrum, Denholm, Newcastleton, Morebattle, and St Boswells, reliance on off-grid fuels like oil or LPG and exposure to colder winters heightens the risk of fuel poverty. These conditions force many residents to choose between staying warm and other necessities, impacting their well-being and quality of life. Cold homes contribute to health problems like respiratory issues, making efficient heating crucial.
The ECO scheme supports these areas by funding energy efficiency improvements. It targets vulnerable households, helping them upgrade insulation and heating systems, which are essential in reducing energy use and costs. This support eases the burden of fuel poverty, improving both health outcomes and living conditions for residents across Roxburghshire.
Eligibility routes for ECO support
Understanding the eligibility routes for the ECO scheme can help you determine if you’re qualified for assistance in making your home more energy-efficient.
- Means-tested benefits: Households receiving certain benefits may qualify for support.
- Low income (via LA Flex): The local authority flexibility scheme allows households on low incomes to qualify, even if they don’t receive benefits.
- EPC D-G: Homes rated between D and G on their Energy Performance Certificate may be eligible for improvements.
- Health issues: Households with occupants facing health challenges that are worsened by cold homes may qualify.
- Rural homes: Properties in rural areas with higher energy costs can be eligible for support.
- Tenants: Renters in private or social housing may also qualify for assistance under certain conditions.
These routes ensure that support reaches those who need it most, improving energy efficiency and lowering costs for eligible households.
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 and their benefits
Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency can make a significant difference in comfort and cost savings. Here are some of the key improvements available under the ECO scheme and their benefits:
- Loft, wall, and roof insulation: Keeps heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing energy bills and improving comfort.
- Central heating: Provides consistent warmth throughout your home, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient.
- Electric heaters: More efficient models can cut down on electricity use and provide better temperature control.
- Renewables: Solar panels and other renewable energy sources lower reliance on conventional fuels and reduce energy bills.
- Boilers: Modern, efficient boilers use less fuel to heat your home and water, saving money and energy.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation reduces moisture, preventing mould growth and improving indoor air quality.
These upgrades offer a range of benefits, from lower energy costs to a healthier living environment. By making these changes, you can enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable home.
Steps to improve home energy efficiency
Navigating the process to improve your home’s energy efficiency can be straightforward with the right steps. Here’s how you can get started with accessing support through the ECO scheme:
- Eligibility checker: Use an online tool to quickly determine if your household qualifies for assistance.
- Speak to an advisor: Get expert advice on the options available to you and the next steps in the process.
- Book a free survey: Arrange for a professional evaluation of your home to identify the best energy-saving improvements.
- Install: Approved contractors will carry out the necessary upgrades to your home.
- Receive documents: After installation, you’ll receive paperwork that details the improvements made and any energy efficiency gains.
Following these steps ensures that you maximise the benefits available, making your home more comfortable and reducing energy costs.
Understanding MEES rules for landlords
After improving your home’s energy efficiency, understanding regulations like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) is crucial, especially for landlords.
- Band E minimum: MEES requires rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of Band E. Failure to comply can result in fines.
- ECO support: The ECO scheme assists landlords in making necessary improvements to meet MEES requirements, such as insulation and new heating systems.
- Exemptions: Some properties qualify for exemptions, such as those where upgrades are not cost-effective or appropriate due to building restrictions.
Complying with MEES rules not only avoids penalties but also ensures tenants live in safer, more comfortable homes while reducing environmental impact.
Limited funding and quick eligibility check
Funding for the ECO scheme often comes with a limited local allocation, which means there’s a set amount of funding available for a particular area. As a result, the scheme typically operates on a first-come-first-served basis, encouraging eligible households to apply quickly to secure available resources for energy improvements.
To help you get started, many organisations offer a no-obligation eligibility check. This service allows you to find out if your household qualifies for ECO support without committing to any further action. Taking advantage of this opportunity ensures you’re in the best position to benefit from available funding while it lasts.
Eligibility and compliance for ECO scheme
While the ECO scheme offers significant support for energy efficiency upgrades, it is not available to residents of social housing or those living in Northern Ireland. For residents in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive provides alternative support options.
All improvements under the ECO scheme must comply with PAS 2035, a standard ensuring high quality and effective energy efficiency measures. Only TrustMark-registered installers, who are vetted for reliability and expertise, can carry out these installations, providing peace of mind about the quality of the work.
Your personal data is handled securely throughout the process, ensuring your information remains confidential. Eligibility for the scheme is confirmed during a comprehensive home survey, which assesses the need and scope for any improvements.
Discover how Energy Saving Grants can help you
At Energy Saving Grants, we specialise in helping UK homeowners, landlords, tenants, and small to medium-sized businesses access government funding for energy efficiency improvements. With years of experience, our team streamlines the process by assessing eligibility, assisting with grant applications, and coordinating installations. This ensures a hassle-free experience, resulting in reduced energy costs and enhanced comfort.
Our user-friendly Grant Checker form allows you to quickly see if you qualify for available grants. By using this tool, you can begin your journey to a more energy-efficient property with no obligation. We encourage you to use the Grant Checker form today and start taking advantage of the support available to you.
Local council support for energy grants
After understanding the main grant opportunities and eligibility routes, it’s essential to consider how local support can further streamline this process. The upcoming sections will delve into the specific roles of local councils, like the Scottish Borders Council, in facilitating access to these schemes. These insights will help you see how community support makes it easier to achieve energy efficiency upgrades in your area.
Understanding the role of local councils
Councils play a critical role in managing local services and facilities that directly impact residents’ daily lives. They oversee areas like public transport, waste management, and community health services, ensuring that essential services are accessible and efficient. By working closely with the community, councils help to address local needs and priorities.
Councils also serve as a link between residents and government programmes, helping to implement national initiatives at a local level. Through their efforts, councils provide information and resources that help residents access various forms of support, such as grants and advisory services. This local governance helps create vibrant, sustainable communities by responding to the unique challenges and opportunities within each area.
Roxburghshire's governing council authority
Roxburghshire residents are served by a unitary authority that manages local governance and services. Since the reorganisation in 1996, the region has been under the administration of a larger governing body.
- Scottish Borders Council: Manages services and support across Roxburghshire, making decisions that affect local communities.
This structure ensures that the needs of Roxburghshire communities are addressed within the wider framework of the Scottish Borders. The council plays a crucial role in delivering vital services and support to its residents.
Understanding LA Flex for flexible support
LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is a part of the ECO scheme that allows local councils to set their own criteria for eligibility. This flexibility means that households not receiving traditional benefits can still qualify for support based on other factors such as income, age, or health conditions. By allowing councils to tailor the rules, the scheme can better address specific local needs and circumstances, providing more households with access to vital energy efficiency improvements. This approach ensures that support reaches those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of traditional benefit systems.
Variation in energy grants across councils
Energy grant activity can vary significantly across different councils due to local priorities and the specific needs of the community. For example, in a town like Hawick within the Scottish Borders Council area, there might be a strong focus on improving insulation in older terraced homes, which are prevalent in the area. Many residents take up loft and wall insulation grants to combat heat loss and reduce energy bills, thanks to the local council’s active promotion of these upgrades. The success of these initiatives can be seen in the high uptake of insulation projects, which have been especially popular among homeowners looking to preserve the character of their traditional properties while improving energy efficiency.
In contrast, a smaller village such as Newcastleton might witness more demand for renewable energy solutions due to its rural setting. Here, solar panel installations and air source heat pumps are common improvements, as households often seek to become more energy-independent and reduce reliance on costly fuels. The council may encourage these upgrades through targeted outreach programs, helping villagers navigate the process and maximise grant opportunities. This localised approach allows councils to address unique regional challenges, delivering energy efficiency gains that align with the specific characteristics and needs of each town.
Staying informed on evolving ECO funding criteria
ECO funding is allocated in rounds, with each round having specific eligibility criteria that may change over time. These changes can reflect new government priorities or adjustments to better address local needs. As such, it’s important to understand that the support you might qualify for today could differ in the future. This dynamic nature means that households should stay alert to any updates or modifications in the funding rounds and eligibility standards.
To stay prepared and make the most of the ECO scheme, residents are encouraged to regularly check for updates on local policies and LA Flex guidelines, which are set by councils. By staying informed, you can be ready to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise, ensuring that you’re always aware of the support available to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. This proactive approach helps you adapt to changes and make informed decisions about potential upgrades.
Local support for a warmer, efficient home
Local delivery of energy grants, tailored to community needs, is essential for effective support. With council involvement and community-specific access, residents across Roxburghshire—from coastal areas to the countryside—have the opportunity to make their homes warmer and more energy-efficient. This locally rooted approach ensures that every resident can benefit from the available resources and improvements.
To start your journey toward a more energy-efficient home, reach out to us at Energy Saving Grants. Our team is ready to assist you with expert guidance. Call us at 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org. Take the first step today to unlock the benefits of local grant opportunities and make your home more comfortable and sustainable.
Common questions about energy grants and the ECO scheme
The ECO scheme is a government initiative that provides funding to improve the energy efficiency of homes. It targets low-income and vulnerable households by offering support for insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy. In the Scottish Borders region, this scheme is crucial for addressing energy needs.
Eligibility for energy grants typically includes households on means-tested benefits, those with low income, and properties with low EPC ratings. Local councils in the historic Roxburgh area may have additional criteria through the LA Flex scheme. This flexibility helps more people access support tailored to their specific situations.
LA Flex allows local authorities to define additional eligibility criteria beyond standard requirements. In the Old County of Roxburgh, councils can consider factors like income, age, and health to ensure those in need receive assistance. This approach enables more households to qualify for energy improvements.
Energy grants can fund a range of home improvements, including insulation, efficient boilers, and renewable energy systems. Residents in the former Roxburghshire district can access specific upgrades based on their property type and local grant offerings. These enhancements contribute to reducing energy bills and improving comfort.
Councils play a significant role in administering energy grants and offering guidance to residents. In the Roxburgh district, local councils ensure grant schemes are effectively implemented and meet community needs. Their support helps streamline the process, making energy savings more accessible to everyone.
ECO grants in Roxburghshire are designed to help residents with energy efficiency improvements in their homes. For those living in Roxburghshire, the following council provides access to ECO grants:
- Scottish Borders Council (part)
Councils in Roxburghshire that offer boiler grants may vary, but residents can often check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information. It’s advisable to contact or visit the website of the specific council overseeing your area for details on available grants. Here are the councils in Roxburghshire:
- Scottish Borders Council (part)
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.