Home energy grants

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is an obligatory levy the government has imposed on energy companies to ensure they help households save energy, cut bills and stay warm.
You may be eligible if you:

• Live in a home with poor energy efficiency (EPC rating D–G).
• Receive certain benefits or are on lower incomes.
• Struggle with high energy bills or keeping their home warm.

Upgrades could include:

• Loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
• Heating upgrades (including renewable options).
• Solar panels and other low-carbon measures.

ECO4 Flex allows RBWM to refer residents who don’t receive benefits but still need help. This makes the scheme available to more households at risk of fuel poverty.

There are four flex routes you may qualify under:

Flex Route 1 – Income

Total household income £31,000 or less per year, and your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F G.

You can find your EPC rating by visiting the GOV.uk website.

Flex Route 2 – NHS Referrals 

If you have been identified as having a long-term health condition worsened by living in a cold home, such as:

• Respiratory illness (e.g. asthma, COPD).
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Limited mobility or disability.
• Mental health conditions.

Flex Route 3 – Local Authority Referral

RBWM identifies your household as at risk of fuel poverty, for example if you:

• Struggle with high energy bills.
• Spend a large share of income on heating.
• Live in a cold, damp, or inefficient home.

Flex Route 4 – Bespoke Projects

Used in special cases, where the Council works with suppliers to target specific groups of residents who need support.

Check if you qualify

• If on benefits - speak to your energy supplier about ECO4 or contact any ECO energy supplier.
• If not on benefits but on a low income or with health needs, contact Better Housing Better Health.
  • https://www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/ or call 0800 1070044, or email bhbh@nef.org.uk.

A pre-vetted installer will carry out a free home energy survey.

• They submit the application on your behalf.

Install energy efficiency measures.

• If you application satisfies eligibility requirements, you can go ahead with having the appropriate measures installed for free.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure adequate time to assess and deliver the works.

The council has partnered with charity, the National Energy Foundation (NEF), who will administer the scheme with a framework of local installers.

For more information on the ECO4 scheme, please visit :

https://www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/ or call 0800 1070044, or email bhbh@nef.org.uk.

If you are an installer and you would like to onboard please visit the NEF’s Supplier Network website, or call 01908 699 992 to apply.