ECO4 Scheme: How to Determine Eligibility in Cardiff

ECO4 is a scheme aimed at reducing energy costs and carbon emissions in Cardiff, Wales. The scheme, funded by energy companies, provides free upgrades to the homes of eligible households. Properties may be made warmer, cheaper to heat, and more environmentally friendly by improving their energy efficiency.

1. Introduction

Most households do not apply directly; instead, they are contacted by installers or contractors acting on behalf of energy suppliers about funding. The potential for assistance is dependent on the energy performance needs and current income of households in Cardiff, particularly the elderly, those on a low income and those in receipt of qualifying benefits. Householders should contact a local recommended ECO4 installer to check eligibility.

2. What is the ECO4 Scheme

ECO4 is a Welsh Government scheme to help vulnerable and low-income households improve the energy performance of their homes. It focuses on first-time measures dedicated to energy efficiency and low-carbon heating that will help reduce fuel poverty, combat climate change and contribute to the Renewable Energy Target for Wales. The scheme is financed through obligations placed on energy suppliers operating in the US and is being delivered in partnership with Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords and a number of third sector organisations across Wales. Eligible measures are free to households and are delivered and funded through ECO4.

ECO4 aims to alleviate climate change, reduce fuel poverty and lower the cost of living by providing support for energy-saving home improvements. ECO4 is focused on low-income and disadvantaged households living in the least energy-efficient homes. Where it is not possible to make homes significantly more energy-efficient, help will be provided towards the installation of lower-carbon heating.

3. Who can apply in Cardiff

Any of the groups listed below can apply for help regardless of the age of their home. If you think you qualify, please contact the ECO4 team in Cardiff for advice. You can also call the council helpline on 029 2087 2087.

• You live in a home that is getting energy from your landlord under certain schemes, like rent, lease or sub-let. • You get income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income-Based Employment and Support Allowance; or Child Tax Credit; or Working Tax Credit but your total household income is less than £25,000. • You have a disability that gets benefit support and is in need of costly energy for warmth or special equipment. • You are a foster carer, end-of-life carer, or trying to recover from addictions or serious medical conditions. • You have very high fuel costs compared to your income and savings. • You get Council Tax Reduction or Child Tax Credits for a child under 5.

Generally, you check qualification by first agreeing to the programme and having your need for energy support confirmed. You also need to tell the energy supplier about your benefits or pay slips or provide evidence of family need.

4. How to check if you are eligible

The first step in applying for the ECO4 scheme is to check whether you're eligible. This is usually done by the installer approved to carry out the work. To help them make the assessment, you will need to provide some basic information about your income, benefits being received, energy bills, the type of property you live in, who lives there, how long you've been living there and how your energy bills are paid. Use the information on these pages as a guide to the kind of questions you may be asked.

There are three main areas that will help determine your eligibility: your income and any benefits you receive, your home energy needs and how you use energy in your home, and the type of property you live in, whether you are the tenant, homeowner or landlord, and how long you've been living there.

4.1. Income and benefits

To qualify for ECO4, a household must receive a qualifying benefit, be considered a low-income household, or live in an income-eligible area.

A household is considered low income if the total gross income available to the household is GBP 31,000 per year or less. The gross income definition includes any income before taxes and any national insurance or pension contributions. In addition to gross income, certain capital or asset levels must not be exceeded, applying to those households applying as low-income groups and the criteria are described on the council website.

The full suite of qualifying benefits relied upon in the assessment is listed on the council’s website. If a household receives any of these benefits, they can be listed in the application, with supporting evidence. Documentation or details that could help in the application to qualify for ECO4 should be gathered.

4.2. Home energy needs

Home energy needs play an important part in deciding eligibility for ECO4. All applications consider how much energy a home uses and how much it costs in bills. If you live in a rented home, your landlord may have to pay for any work. They also need to agree before you apply.

A special energy assessment called a “Rapid Energy Assessment” may be needed before applying if: - Your home has never had an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating or if it has a rating of D or below. - If your income and benefits qualify but you’re not among the first groups mentioned above.

4.3. Property and occupancy

ECO4 helps low-income households upgrade their heating and insulation. The scheme is open to homeowners and tenants. If you rent, your landlord must join the scheme.

You can apply for ECO4 if your home is in the UK, isn’t connected to the gas grid, and is in one of the qualifying groups. Your home must be an eligible type — for example, a house, flat, or bungalow. If your home was built since April 2010, ECO4 can only help if it has an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower. You must also have lived in your home for at least six months before applying, and anyone else applying must have lived there with you.

5. How to apply in Cardiff

Getting started with an application only takes a few simple steps. First, check if you qualify. Then approach a local ECO4 funding provider. If you do not already have one, an energy assessment will be arranged to see exactly what improvements are needed. Finally, the provider will work with you and the installer to get the upgrades done.

If you're not sure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, specialist services in Cardiff can help. People can just give them a call for help with checking if they qualify. They can also provide contact details for local ECO4 funding providers in Cardiff.

5.1. Documents you may need

Do you need to gather evidence to confirm your eligibility? You will likely need documents that verify your identity and those of people living with you, plus one that shows your current address. You may also need proof of any income-related benefits you receive because of your or anyone else’s disability, being a child or young person, or being over a certain age.

If you are applying based on household income, then you will need at least one recent or current bank statement from a bank or building society. The financial year your income is from will determine which bank statement you need. You may also need proof of your energy bill for an application as well. Other forms of documents can be required during the process, for instance, a tenancy agreement if you’re renting or property deeds if you’re a homeowner.

If you need support in Cardiff making your application and have questions about what to prepare, please reach out to your local eco business. Contact information can be found at your area’s eco webpage or other directories in the city.

5.2. Where to get help

If you're in Cardiff and need help with more than just the eligibility check, several services and sources can assist. Because ECO4 is about your energy bills, utility providers may also be useful.

6. What help ECO4 can provide

The ECO4 scheme helps improve the energy efficiency of homes across Cardiff, in many cases at little or no cost to the household. Fully funded measures include insulation, upgraded gas boilers, new heating and hot water controls, low-carbon heating systems, and even window replacement. Check with local services to see what is available.

The range of measures available through the ECO4 scheme include:

- insulation - upgraded, more efficient gas boilers - new heating and hot water controls - low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps and solar thermal - window replacement (multi-paned security glass only)

There is no set cost for each of the measures; the scheme is demand-led, with funding allocated to local areas based on energy needs analysis. In most cases, the work will be fully funded, but some homeowners may be required to make a contribution. Where a contribution is needed, no more than £1,800 should be paid back during the time the property is owned or occupied. Households are not charged upfront and do not have to pay any loans back directly. The funding is delivered through energy companies and grant funding.

– Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2023

6.1. Types of measures

ECO4 can support various upgrades to homes that need them most. These may include:

- Insulation for your loft, cavity walls, solid walls, or under your floors. - A more efficient boiler or some other types of heating system. - Controls for your heating, such as a thermostat or smart thermostat. - Draught proofing of your windows and doors. - Possibly renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or heat pumps.

6.2. Costs and payments

ECO4 does not charge the recipient. These upgrades are paid for by the energy companies that have not met their legal energy-saving obligations or by the government. Sometimes ECO4 may provide a subsidised offer but normally the whole cost is covered. All details will be explained in the process. The completion of the installation is important as it has been mandated by the government for the energy companies that have not met their legal energy-saving obligations

ECO4 does not offer cash incentives. It provides home upgrades aimed to improve energy efficiency for properties where the occupants are on qualifying benefits. The provision of energy-saving measures may be in the form of a grant or a loan-effective grant. If it is a loan-effective grant, it works where the amount paid back appears as a charge on the energy bill; the charge is removed when the associated loan is repaid. There is normally no financial contribution required; however, the amount of grant funding available may be capped depending on the measures being installed and the household situation.

7. Common questions

For those still unsure, here are answers to some common questions about ECO4 in Cardiff.

7.1. Timeframes The average ECO4 decision takes about four weeks, but this isn't a guarantee. Many applications in England are currently waiting longer. If eligible for help, the next step may require a full assessment of the property. This can take time because of high demand for ECO-funded measures. After this assessment, an installer will be chosen, and the work will be booked. Suppliers and installers are trying to complete all work as quickly as possible, but delays can occur.

7.2. Denied applications and next steps Anyone whose ECO4 application is refused will be informed of the reasons. People in Wales who have received a decision and are not happy with it can ask for a review. Appeals about ECO4 applications (in England) can be made to the relevant energy supplier. If a condition is not being met, it's worth checking if this is likely to change and reapplying in the future.

7.1. Timeframes

The ECO4 team typically makes decisions within 10 working days. If you qualify, the team will contact an approved installer to assess your property and confirm what's required. After that, the installer will schedule the work with you. Although most jobs take only a few days, delays may happen.

If you have questions about your application or the work, contact the ECO4 applicant team.

7.2. Denied applications and next steps

If an application is denied, the individual will be informed of the reasons. They can appeal if they believe an error was made and can provide more proof. Even if an application is denied, it can be submitted again later if circumstances change.

8. Conclusion

If you think you might be eligible for help through ECO4, it is worth checking, as assistance could be available for you or for a family member who currently receives qualifying support. To start the ECO4 application process, contact one of the listed companies that are Eco Providers for Cardiff. One of their ECO Agents will check your eligibility, explain the next steps for your area, and assist with your application. Your details will be passed to an ECO Provider, who will then get in touch to arrange a home assessment.