In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of global discussions, the UK government has taken significant advances towards creating a more sustainable future.
In April 2022, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, otherwise known as the ECO4 Scheme, was launched to improve energy efficiency in homes across the country. For our valued park home insurance customers, this presents a golden opportunity to not only contribute to a greener environment, but also to make significant savings on energy bills.
Understanding the ECO4 Scheme
The government-backed scheme is funded through a unique mechanism where energy companies contribute 20% of their profits annually to a dedicated fund. This fund is then used to provide grants for upgrading homes, and the great news is the scheme also extends to park homes!
What Does the ECO4 Scheme Cover?
Under the ECO4 Scheme, park homeowners can benefit from free eco-grants to upgrade their homes' energy efficiency, which can help to reduce the overall costs of your energy bills. The program covers a range of measures, including:
The beauty of this scheme lies in the absence of a ceiling cost, meaning if you are eligible, you could access thousands of pounds worth of energy upgrades at no cost to you.
How many measures can I have?
It could be as little as one measure, up to five.
A fabric-first strategy is essential and prioritises insulation measures like external wall insulation, underfloor insulation, and loft Insulation. If you've already implemented some of the aforementioned fabric-first measures, you may qualify for additional upgrades. If funding permits, additional measures like heating and renewables, such as an air source heat hump and solar panels may be considered. This infographic explains what we mean:
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Funding?
Your eligibility for the ECO4 Scheme is primarily based on your household income and the receipt of specific benefits. These include:
To qualify, your household must earn £31,000 or less, per year. Additionally, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property plays a crucial role. Homes with EPC ratings of E, F, or G are prioritised for funding. Park Homes, which typically fall within the E and F rating range, are considered suitable for ECO4 funding.
Act Now: Funding Available Until 2026
The ECO4 Scheme is time-sensitive, with funding available until 2026, so now is the time to act. The government has allocated £4 billion for energy efficiency and heating measures, emphasising the urgency for homeowners to seize this opportunity. The application process is straightforward and involves checking your eligibility, followed by registering your interest through an online funding eligibility checker, email, or phone call.
Find out how to apply and check your eligibility here. For further information visit the Energy Company Obligation page on gov.uk. to find out more.
The Green Goals of ECO4:
The overarching goal of the ECO4 Scheme is to create more energy-efficient homes, aligning with the UK government's ambitious target of achieving zero net carbon by 2050. By investing in energy-saving measures, park homeowners can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the ECO4 Scheme is a golden opportunity for park homeowners to upgrade their homes, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener planet. By taking advantage of this government-backed initiative, not only can you enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home, but you can also actively participate in the collective effort to combat climate change. It's a win-win scenario – a brighter, greener future for both you and the environment!
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Lifesure Group Limited trading as Lifesure and Lifesure Insurance Broker accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
