The government-backed Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is designed to help eligible residents improve the thermal comfort of their homes while saving hundreds of pounds a year in fuel bills. Home upgrades could include insulation and ventilation, modern heating systems such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, new heating controls and/or energy efficient lighting.
Applications will be managed by the recently launched East Herts Home Energy Support Service which is provided by Better Housing Better Health (BHBH). These will include applications made by local installation suppliers who can also apply on a resident’s behalf. Should a resident be approached directly by a supplier regarding the scheme and would like to check their validity, BHBH can also do this on their behalf.
Both owner-occupier and private rented sector households can apply and to qualify for support, will need to meet criteria such as:
• A home with an EPC rating of E, F or G, plus D if their property is not rented
• A household income of less than £31,000
• Certain health conditions
• Being in receipt of most means-tested benefits and child benefits (subject to income caps)
Councillor Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability at East Herts Council, said: “Studies show that there is a correlation between households on low incomes who suffer from long-term health conditions and hard-to-heat homes.
“This scheme can make a real difference by helping low income households save money and keep their home warm, cool or damp free while also cutting carbon and supporting our progress to making East Herts a net zero district.”
To find out more, residents should contact East Herts Council’s Home Energy Support Service, provided by Better Housing Better Health, as follows:
Phone: 0800 107 0044 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Email: bhbh@nef.org.uk
Website: www.bhbh.org.uk
The scheme will remain open for applications until the end of March 2026.
