If you do not meet the criteria for the ECO4 scheme, there is still a possibility for you to receive funding through the Local Authority and Supplier Flex (ECO Flex) mechanism.
ECO Flex enables local authorities, the Scottish and Welsh governments, and energy suppliers to refer households for ECO4, even if they do not fully meet the benefits requirements.
To be eligible for a referral from your local authority or devolved government, you must reside in an energy inefficient property and meet one of the following conditions:
- Your combined gross annual household income is below £31,000.
- Someone in your household has a health condition that makes them vulnerable to the cold, such as a cardiovascular condition, respiratory disease, limited mobility, or immunosuppression.
To be eligible for a referral from your energy supplier, you must live in an energy inefficient house and fall into one of the following categories:
- You are on a non-Pre-Payment meter and have been in fuel debt for more than 13 weeks.
- You are on a Pre-Payment meter and have self-disconnected.
- You have received supplier discretionary/friendly credit within the last 13 weeks.
- You are in a debt repayment plan with your energy supplier.
- You are repaying your fuel debt through 3rd party deductions.
To determine if you qualify for a grant through the ECO Flex mechanism, please contact your local authority (England) or the equivalent if you reside in Scotland or Wales. You should be able to find their contact details on their website. Reach out to them and inquire if they are participating in the ECO Flex mechanism.
If they are, they will be able to provide guidance on the application process.
Here at NXTGEN Energy we highly recommend considering whether you’re eligible for funding and further researching the advantages of solar energy. You might assume switching to solar energy is out of the question, but with the help of 0% VAT and various UK government funding schemes, solar panels could be much more within your reach than you think.
Even if you investigate the current solar grants available in the UK and you find out that you are not eligible, why not think about finance? Here at NXTGEN Energy we have teamed up with Ideal4Finance to offer some flexible finance options to our customers including a 0% fixed interest rate over 12 months, visit our Finance page for more details and contact us on 01268 928 690 or info@nxtgen.ltd if you are considering finance for your solar panel installation.
Frequently Asked Questions about ECO Flex
ECO Flex is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, a government initiative that helps households improve their home’s energy efficiency. It specifically targets those living in fuel poverty or vulnerable to cold homes, even if they don’t qualify for the standard ECO criteria.
ECO Flex can fund various energy-saving measures, including:
– New or upgraded central heating systems (boilers, heat pumps)
– Insulation (loft, wall, cavity)
– Renewable energy sources (solar panels)
– Draught-proofing and energy-efficient lighting
Local authorities determine eligibility based on specific criteria, but generally, you must:
– Be living in a property with an EPC rating of E, F, or G.
– Have a low income (defined by your local authority).
– Be vulnerable to the effects of a cold home (e.g., health conditions, young children, older adults).
No, ECO Flex is not restricted to those receiving benefits. Some local authorities may consider income alone, while others might factor in vulnerability to cold homes as well.
The amount of funding depends on the specific improvements needed and your local authority’s budget. It typically covers a significant portion of the costs, and sometimes even the entire amount.
Contact your local authority directly or check their website for information on their ECO Flex program. They will assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
– Gov.UK: https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation
– Ofgem: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/great-british-insulation-scheme-and-eco4-local-authority-administration-guidance
– Affordable Warmth Scheme: https://www.affordablewarmthscheme.co.uk/
Bonus: Ask your energy supplier if they offer ECO Flex referrals to your local authority.
Remember, eligibility criteria and program details may vary across local authorities. Always check with your local council for the latest information.
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