Under phase four of the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), the energy suppliers can achieve up to 50% of their obligation by installing energy saving measures to owner-occupied or private rented households that are declared eligible by themselves or local authorities.
Phase 4 of the Energy Companies Obligation allows local authorities to make declarations determining that certain households meet the eligibility criteria. Phase 4 of the Energy Companies Obligation is optional therefore local authorities and energy suppliers are not obliged to take part.
Residents of Knowsley may receive letters or flyers from companies or lead generators offering measures under the Energy Companies Obligation.
What the measures may include
- Replacement boilers and heating systems
- Insulation (wall, loft and underfloor)
- Renewable energy technologies (solar panels)
Eligibility and process
The companies or lead generators will check a resident’s criteria to see if they meet national or local eligibility criteria. Those who qualify through Knowsley Council’s local eligibility criteria will be asked by the company or lead generator to provide evidence of their eligibility and to sign a privacy agreement to share their data.
The company or lead generator then submits an application form to the local authority and if the eligibility criteria is met and the correct evidence is provided, a “Local Authority Declaration” will be provided to them.
The declaration does not entitle you to any grant, grants are provided at the discretion of the installation companies and are subject to a home energy survey.
Installation guidelines
Knowsley Council does not oversee the Energy Companies Obligation or recommend any installation companies. The Energy Companies Obligation is administered by OFGEM and all installers working on the scheme must be registered with Trust Mark.
Residents must ensure that the installation company proposing to carry out works under ECO is a Trust Mark Registered Business for the works being carried out.
Great British Insulation Scheme
About the scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a Government scheme launched in August 2023 to help households to insulate their homes to make them more energy efficient and save on energy bills.
The scheme will run until March 2026.
You could qualify for free insulation to your home through the scheme if you are on a low income, qualifying benefits or are in a council tax band A-D and your home has and Energy Performance Certificate rating of D and below (E or below if you are renting).
For more information on the Great British Insulation Scheme and to use the Government’s online eligibility checker to see if you qualify.
Alternatively, call the helpline on 0800 098 7950 or contact your energy supplier directly for advice.