Looking for ways to reduce your energy bills? If so, you’re certainly not alone! It’s no secret that families up and down the country are worried about the rising cost of energy, with an estimated 3.5 million UK households now living in so-called fuel poverty.

The good news is that there are a number of Government-backed grants available to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home and slash your fuel bills. What’s more, flexible eligibility means you do not need to be claiming benefits to receive these grants, with funding available for a variety of insulation and heating improvements.

So, how much could you save, and are YOU entitled to a free grant?

Why improve your home’s energy efficiency?

Poor insulation and old, inefficient heating systems are two of the biggest causes of unexpectedly high fuel bills. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you can make it easier to stay warm, reduce your carbon emissions and significantly lower your energy bills.

As an example, over a third of heat loss is through walls. According to data from the Energy Savings Trust, a simple measure like cavity wall insulation could help you save you over £300 on your annual fuel spend.

In many cases, the equipment used to heat your home is also a big part of the problem. Boiler technology has come on massively in the last few years, meaning replacing an old gas boiler with a new A-rated model could help you save over £350 per year.

Free ECO grants

Insulating your home or upgrading your heating can be a big investment. Even though the yearly savings can be huge, the cost of the work is sadly unaffordable for many.

Thankfully, there are a variety of grants available to cover all (or part) of the cost – and the great news is that millions of people across the UK may be eligible.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO3) scheme is a Government-backed programme designed to reduce the carbon emissions of homes across the UK and take millions of people out of fuel poverty.

Grants are funded by the big six energy companies and are available for a variety of home efficiency improvements, including cavity wall and loft insulation, boiler and heater upgrades, and first-time central heating.

Who’s eligible?

While the ECO3 scheme continues to be available to people claiming eligible benefits, a recent amendment means you may still be eligible even if you are NOT claiming benefits.

Under the LA flex scheme, local authorities have the power to expand eligibility criteria and tailor the scheme to their area. There are two categories for LA flex:

• Fuel-poor households on low incomes and not in receipt of other ECO eligible benefits
• Low-income households vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home

As before, ECO3 grants may be available to people receiving the Warm Home Discount, and those claiming any of the following benefits:

• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Benefit (household income dependent)
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Mobility Supplement
• Personal Independence Payment
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
• Universal Credit

Find out if you’re eligible and apply today!

To find out if you’re eligible for a grant, get in touch with our friendly team today.

With close relationships with local authorities, we can talk you through the different grants that are available and advise on whether you are eligible to receive funding, as well as helping you process your application. We’ll arrange a convenient date and time for a registered surveyor to visit your property and ensure it meets all applicable eligibility criteria. It couldn’t be easier!