There’s a new scheme for UK households in 2023 estimated to save us £310 a year on our energy bills. It’s called the Energy Company Obligation Plus (ECO+) Scheme and is targeted at homes with a low energy efficiency rating in lower Council Tax band areas. Over 3.1 million home improvements have been made through the ECO Scheme since 2013, and the ECO+ is set to increase the total amount of insulation and other improvements across the country.
This news comes shortly after the announcement that an additional £1.5bn funding will be spent as part of the government’s £6.6bn Heat and Building Strategy, which aims to reach a nationwide carbon net zero
by 2050.
ECO+ Public Information Campaign
An £18 million public information campaign will also be run as part of the ECO Plus Scheme, aimed at offering advice on how households can effectively cut down on their energy use this winter.
Some of the government’s tips include:
Turn down radiators in empty rooms
Lower a boiler’s flow temperature from 75⁰C to 60⁰C
Draught-proof windows and doors to reduce a property’s heat loss.
What does the ECO+ Scheme cover?
The ECO+ Scheme covers the installation of insulation and low-carbon heating, such as:
Internal walls insulation
Loft insulation
Room in a roof insulation
Air source heat pumps
It’s important to remember that ECO+ is a grant and not a loan, meaning that you won’t have to pay anything upfront or incur any additional costs for the installation of the insulation or heating system.
Who is eligible for the ECO Plus Scheme?
The ECO+ scheme aims to benefit those who currently do not benefit from current government schemes, like the ECO4 Scheme.
It has been announced that 80% of the funds will be spent on properties with an EPC rating of D or below, and in the lower Council Tax Bands.
How landlords could benefit from the ECO+ scheme
Funding is available to landlords, provided the tenants meet certain criteria, such as earning a low income and living in a property with an EPC-rating D or below.
With nearly 60% of homes in the private rental sector having an EPC rating of D or lower, the expectation that this grant to be welcomed with open arms by many UK landlords is high.
The insulation and heating upgrades will help landlords save money on energy bills and all while making their properties greener.
And with the EPC regulations requiring all properties to have an EPC rating of C or higher by 2025, this scheme could help many landlords upgrade their properties without breaking the bank.
How to apply for the ECO Plus Scheme
Do you think you’d benefit from an ECO Plus upgrade?
Simply head on over to So Eco via the link here to apply and see what the benefit would be to you.
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