Written by Kate Hallewell
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme obligates energy suppliers to improve energy efficiency in inefficient UK homes. The Flexible Eligibility component (ECO4 Flex) widens the eligibility criteria and through this mechanism councils can declare that vulnerable residents are eligible (where they do not qualify through standard benefit routes).
In this blog, we’ll look at the latest ECO4 Flex stats from Ofgem, breaking down how London councils are helping their residents access ECO4 funding.
Current Performance of London Councils
As of September 2024, Ofgem reports that 365 London households have benefited from ECO4 Flex measures since the ECO4 scheme started in July 2022.
However, this figure represents only 0.5% of England’s total, indicating a significant underutilisation of available funding. Notably, councils such as Lewisham, Ealing, and Barking and Dagenham have been more proactive, collectively accounting for over 50% of London’s ECO4 Flex grants.
The low uptake across many London boroughs suggests missed opportunities to support residents in improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty. Factors contributing to this shortfall may include limited awareness of the scheme, administrative hurdles, or insufficient collaboration with approved installers.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Increase Awareness
Councils should actively promote the ECO4 Flex scheme through community outreach and digital platforms to inform residents about available support. - Streamline Processes
Simplifying the application and declaration procedures can reduce barriers for both residents and installers, facilitating smoother access to funding. - Collaborate with Installers and Third Parties
Engaging with approved installers and organisations involved in the schemes can expedite the delivery of energy-saving measures, ensuring that eligible households receive timely assistance.
| ECO4 Flex Statistics for London Councils | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council | Position | No of households* | % of Total | How to apply |
| Lewisham | 1 | 103 | 28.22 | Apply |
| Ealing | 2 | 41 | 11.23 | Apply |
| Barking and Dagenham | 3 | 39 | 10.68 | Apply |
| Bromley | 4 | 28 | 7.67 | Apply |
| Waltham Forest | 5 | 27 | 7.40 | Apply |
| Bexley | 6 | 24 | 6.58 | Apply |
| Redbridge | 7 | 22 | 6.03 | Apply |
| Havering | 8 | 13 | 3.56 | Apply |
| Newham | 9 | 12 | 3.29 | Apply |
| Greenwich | 10 | 8 | 2.19 | Apply |
| Croydon | 11-12 | 7 | 1.92 | Apply |
| Harrow | 11-12 | 7 | 1.92 | Apply |
| Haringey | 13-14 | 5 | 1.37 | Apply |
| Barnet | 13-14 | 5 | 1.37 | Apply |
| Wandsworth | 15-21 | ^ | 1.00 | Apply |
| Camden | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| Enfield | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| Hillingdon | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| Merton | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| Richmond upon Thames | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| Sutton | 15-21 | # | 1.00 | Apply |
| City of London | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Hackney | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Islington | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Lambeth | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Southwark | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Tower Hamlets | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Westminster | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Brent | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Hounslow | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
| Kingston upon Thames | 22-33 | 0 | 0 | Apply |
* Figures include ECO4 Flex and ECO3T and are based on Ofgem stats released on 28 November 2024 that include notified installs up to Sep-2024.
The simplest and most effective way for underperforming councils to boost ECO4 uptake in their areas is by integrating a link to Energy Saving Genie’s free grant checker. By doing so, councils can connect residents with over 30 registered installers who are ready to provide immediate assistance, ensuring no household is left behind in accessing vital energy-saving grants.
Do you work for a local council?
Guarantee ECO4 Funding Reaches Your Residents
One of the simplest ways to make sure your residents know about this funding is to add a link to our Free Grant Checker.