The Energy Company Obligation ECO4 Scheme forms the basis of the UK government’s mechanism to improve energy efficiency in private households. It aims to reduce households’ energy consumption and bills while contributing positively to the UK’s expected broader climate objectives.
The Birth of the ECO4 Scheme UK
The ECO scheme was an introduction of a scheme in 2013 by the government on the energy efficiency of the United Kingdom. As prices of energy became higher and the issue of climate change became larger, the government wanted to establish a system through which lower-income houses and the vulnerable could improve the energy performance of their homes.
Older homes, in particular, were failing to get insulation in their walls, and inefficient boilers and outdated heating systems affected high energy consumption. The ECO scheme was launched to help financially struggling homeowners improve these essential areas.
Key Phases of the ECO4 Scheme UK
Let’s take a look at some of the key parts of the program:
ECO1 (2013 – 2015)
The main initiatives taken during this timeline were as follows:
- Insulation improvements to homes including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation,
- Replacement of old, inefficient heating systems with new, highly efficient boiler systems,
- Heating controls and improvements
- ECO1 had initial funds from large energy suppliers assigned to meet energy-saving targets.
ECO2 (2015 – 2017):
The second phase of the ECO program was intended to build upon the base objectives of the existing program with a special focus on enhanced energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable populations.
Apart from that, the government also incorporated different energy eligibility goals with a view to energy companies in this phase of the program. The aim was to cover much more energy-efficiency improvements for individual clients.
Enlarging the reach of the eligibility to cover a wider spectrum of vulnerable groups, especially young children, the disabled, and older people.
Tighter energy efficiency requirements for privately rented homes have been introduced. This encourages landlords to make their houses meet a minimum energy performance standard (EPC rating).
ECO3 (2018 – 2022):
The launch of ECO3 signaled the continued development of the scheme. It responded to greater demands concerning climate change and rising energy costs. The main changes that ECO3 saw included:
More stringent carbon-saving targets: The government made the scheme more ambitious by increasing the targets that energy suppliers would have to achieve in terms of carbon savings.
Greater focus on low-income and vulnerable households: ECO3 further expanded the audience to include those individuals who were even more vulnerable, such as persons on Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
The introduction of a wider range of energy-saving measures: Although insulation and boiler replacement have remained at the heart of the scheme, there was a more pronounced dual rolling out of a focus on supporting installation with renewable energy systems and smart heating controls to improve energy efficiency.
The Introduction of ECO4 Scheme UK: What’s New?
Beginning in 2022, the ECO4 scheme lays its origins upon its predecessors while showing renewed governmental targets for dealing with climate change. The scheme favors the interests of homeowners whose carbon footprints could otherwise approach a greener, more energy-efficient future. It is, therefore, more relevant now that the UK proceeds closer toward its goal of net zero carbon emissions.
ECO4 schemes aim to further support low-income and other vulnerable households, specifically homes that are EPC rated at the very lowest levels E, F, and G. Financial help continues for upgrading heating systems and for insulation improvement and other smart controls.
Continuing with even more focus on carbon savings and free boiler upgrades, ECO4 requires energy suppliers to meet specific carbon-saving targets. The more energy efficiency measures are present, the higher the carbon savings.
Conclusion
Since 2013, the ECO4 Scheme UK has worked a lot to assist millions of households in the United Kingdom to save energy, free boiler upgrades, and thus do away with their carbon footprints.
One should check out the ECO4 scheme if they are a homeowner or tenant as it can save money on energy bills while working towards a more sustainable future. The financial support offered could otherwise make a home more energy-efficient while saving money and contributing to a greener UK.
If you are eligible for this scheme, reach out to us to enjoy a comfortable and warmer house and reduced bills.
