Denbighshire
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Denbighshire ECO Flex scheme. In this article, we will explore the latest Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme administered by OFGEM, designed to support households in Denbighshire who are most likely to experience fuel poverty and are vulnerable to the effects of a cold home. We will discuss the flexible eligibility criteria set by Denbighshire County Council and the various grants available through the ECO4 scheme.
At Ignite Sustainable Energy, we are an approved supplier and proud to deliver this scheme on behalf of the council. Our mission is to help homeowners, landlords, and tenants in Denbighshire access free upgrades to insulation, heating, and renewable systems, leading to energy savings and reduced energy bills.
Understanding ECO4 and Its Objectives
The ECO4 scheme is an energy efficiency program backed by the UK Government. It mandates energy suppliers of a certain size to provide funding for home insulation and heating measures on some of the least energy-efficient homes. The primary objective of the scheme is to reduce fuel poverty in the UK by making homes more affordable to heat.
Denbighshire Council, in collaboration with Flintshire County Council, administers the ECO4 scheme in the Denbighshire area. The scheme offers a range of energy-efficient services for home improvements to low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households. These services include air source heat pumps, internal wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, room in roof insulation, electric storage heaters, dual measures/standalone boilers, gas boilers, and solar PV.
Eligibility for ECO4 Grants
To be eligible for ECO4 grants, certain requirements must be met. The quickest and easiest way to qualify is by receiving one of the eligible benefits. These benefits include Working Tax Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance, Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax Credits, Child Benefits, Universal Credit, and Pension Credit Savings Credit.
It's important to note that applicants do not need to be currently claiming the benefit but must have received it within the last 18 months of the installation. However, if you don't receive any of these benefits, you can still access the grants through the Local Authority (LA) Flex Scheme.
LA Flex Scheme: Flexible Eligibility Routes
The LA Flex Scheme, also known as ECO4 Flex, is a flexible approach to identifying fuel-poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy-saving measures.
Denbighshire Council has implemented four routes under the ECO4 Flex eligibility criteria. Let's explore each route in detail:
Route 1: SAP Bands D-G Households
This route is available for households with a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating of D-G and an income less than £31,000. The income cap applies irrespective of the property's size, composition, or region.
Route 2: SAP Bands E-G Households
SAP Bands E-G households can qualify for this route by meeting a combination of two of the following proxies:
1. Homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1-3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019 2. Householders receiving a Council Tax rebate (based on low income only, excludes single person rebates)
3. Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance
4. Householders receiving free school meals due to low income
5. Householders supported by Denbighshire Council Run Scheme, aimed at supporting low-income and vulnerable households
6. Households referred to the Council for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice due to struggling with electricity and gas bill payments
Please note that proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together.
Route 3: SAP Bands D-G Households with Health Conditions
This route is available for SAP Bands D-G households with occupants who have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable. The occupants must have health conditions that may be further impacted by living in a cold home. Detailed written evidence from a licensed medical provider is required for proof of eligibility.
Route 4: SAP and D-G Households (Bespoke Targeting)
Under this route, Flintshire Council, on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, can submit an application to BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) for low income and vulnerable households who are not eligible under the existing routes.
Accessing Grants and Verification Process
To access the ECO4 grants, all potentially eligible households should apply through approved ECO installers. Ignite Sustainable Energy is one such approved installer in Denbighshire. Our team will guide you through the application process, ensuring you benefit from the scheme or are assessed for eligibility under any relevant program.
The verification process involves checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority. The Housing Regeneration Manager at
Flintshire County Council, Joseph Muxlow, is responsible for this process. You can contact Joseph Muxlow at 01352 703426 or joseph.muxlow@flintshire.gov.uk for any declaration and evidence-related queries.
Additional Information
As an approved supplier for the Denbighshire ECO Flex scheme, Ignite Sustainable Energy is dedicated to helping households in Denbighshire improve their energy efficiency. We understand the importance of reducing energy consumption, saving money, and protecting the environment. Our team of experts is committed to providing high-quality insulation and heating measures in line with British building standards.
Ignite Sustainable Energy works closely with Denbighshire County Council and Flintshire Council to deliver the ECO4 scheme. We have extensive experience in the sustainable energy sector and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of our customers. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us on 01244 389335 or info@ignitese.co.uk. Visit our website at www.ignitese.co.uk for more details.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the Denbighshire ECO Flex scheme. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, the grants available through the scheme can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. By taking advantage of insulation and heating measures, you can reduce your energy bills, create a more comfortable living environment, and contribute to a greener future.
At Ignite Sustainable Energy, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Our team of professionals is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the application process, and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Together, let's make a difference in creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient Denbighshire.
