Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Helping you improve home energy efficiency

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-backed scheme designed to help households reduce their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This initiative is aimed at reducing fuel poverty and contributing to the UK’s Net Zero targets by providing funding for energy-saving measures. The Energy Company Obligation 4 program started on 27 July 2022 and will continue until 31 March 2026.

What is ECO?

The ECO scheme places an obligation on medium and large energy suppliers to offer energy efficiency measures to low-income households and those in vulnerable situations. This includes improvements such as:

  • Boiler replacements
  • Central heating systems
  • Insulation (loft, cavity wall, and underfloor)
  • Energy-efficient windows and doors

Who can benefit from ECO?

You could be eligible for ECO support if you:

  • Own your home or rent privately (with your landlord’s permission)
  • Receive certain benefits, including:
  • Child Benefit
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Income-related ESA or JSA
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit

Your home may also need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify for support.

What is our role?

Nottinghamshire County Council’s role is to assess the eligibility of a household. It is not involved in issuing the funding, appointing contractors, or installing the works.

ECO Flex is run by private companies (installers) and the funding for the improvements are awarded by the energy suppliers.

What improvements could I qualify for?

Your chosen installer(s) will carry out a survey and identify a package of improvements suitable for your property.

If eligible, you could qualify for any of the improvements listed below. This is not the full list and other improvements might be available depending on the installer.

  • Loft insulation
  • Pitched roof insulation
  • Flat roof insulation
  • Room in roof insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • Floor insulation (solid or suspended floors)
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Gas boilers
  • Electric boilers
  • Biomass boilers
  • Heating controls
  • Electric storage heaters
  • Solar PV panels
  • High performance external doors
  • Window glazing
  • Draught proofing

Are you eligible?

The project is targeted at low-income households who are likely in fuel poverty. If you receive benefits any of the benefits listed below and live in a property with a low energy efficiency rating, then you can apply directly through an energy supplier.

There are several other eligibility routes detailed in the statement of intent and such as homes that are receiving free school meals for low income or that are referred through the NHS with a health condition impacted by a cold home.

We would encourage everyone to check with Nottingham energy partnership who can run though the eligibility checks with them.   

Funding is only available for private owner occupiers and private rented tenants.

  • Child Benefit
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing benefit
  • Pension credit saving credit.

How to apply

To check your eligibility and apply please contact Nottingham Energy Partnership using the online referral form or call them on 0115 947 2207

For more information, visit the GOV website.

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