The ECO4 Scheme aims to improve energy efficiency across the UK, including in Wales, but how much funding is reaching Welsh households and are they getting their fair share of funding?
The latest statistics highlight the progress made by various Welsh councils and it’s clear that some are leading the charge in helping their residents access much-needed ECO4 Flex funding.
When it comes to making our homes warmer, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, the government-backed ECO4 scheme is making a significant impact, helping households lower their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions through a variety of energy-saving improvements. But how are Welsh councils performing under the scheme? Which areas are excelling, and where is there room for improvement?
Now over halfway through its fourth and final phase, the ECO4 scheme is more crucial than ever, with a renewed focus on supporting the most vulnerable households. This phase, running until 2026, emphasises delivering deep, long-term energy efficiency improvements, particularly for homes that require significant upgrades to meet modern standards. With time running out, it’s vital that Welsh councils take proactive steps to ensure their residents can access the benefits of this scheme. The responsibility lies with local authorities to prioritise these efforts, making sure no vulnerable household is left behind.
Here, we take a closer look at the latest statistics on the ECO4 scheme in Wales, explore the councils that are leading the way, and provide answers to some of the most common questions about how the scheme works. Our ECO4 Scheme Wales update reveals council top performers as well as those who need to step up before it’s too late.
Full ECO4 Flex Leaderboard for Welsh Councils
Let’s start with the leaderboard for ECO4 Flex applications based on ECO measures installed, by measure type and obligation (based on statistics up to 31 March 2024)
ECO4 Scheme Wales: The Top Performers
Powys: The Front Runner
Leading the way in Wales is Powys, with an impressive 3,666 ECO4 Flex measures installed. This makes up 4.46% of the total Flex measures installed across the UK, and a significant 18.39% of all measures installed in Wales. Powys’s commitment to improving energy efficiency is evident, as it helps its residents save money and reduce carbon emissions.
Gwynedd: A Strong Contender
Gwynedd follows closely behind with 2,225 installations, accounting for 2.71% of the UK’s total and 11.16% of Wales’s share. Gwynedd’s proactive approach has positioned it as a key player in the fight against fuel poverty, ensuring that more homes benefit from energy-saving improvements.
Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire: Close Competitors
Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are neck and neck in their efforts, with 2,182 and 2,097 installations respectively. These councils contribute 10.95% and 10.52% of the Welsh total, showcasing their dedication to supporting vulnerable households.
The Middle of the Pack
Flintshire and Isle of Anglesey: Solid Performers
Flintshire and the Isle of Anglesey are also making significant strides, with 1,956 and 1,852 installations respectively. Their contributions represent 9.81% and 9.29% of the Welsh total, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the ECO4 initiative.
Denbighshire to Conwy
Denbighshire (1,577), Carmarthenshire (1,428), and Conwy (920) are making steady progress in their ECO4 Flex efforts. Each of these councils is helping to bridge the gap between those leading the charge and those still catching up.
Room for Improvement
Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf
Swansea (463) and Rhondda Cynon Taf (49) are contributing, but there’s clearly room for improvement. These councils account for only 2.32% and 0.25% of the Welsh total, respectively, indicating potential areas for increased focus and investment.
Bottom of the Ladder: Wrexham to Torfaen
At the bottom of the leaderboard are Wrexham (39), Merthyr Tydfil (25), and Monmouthshire (14), with Newport (12) and the Vale of Glamorgan (6) trailing just behind. Unfortunately, Bridgend, Cardiff, and Torfaen have not yet reported any installations under the ECO4 Flex scheme. These areas may need to reassess their strategies to ensure that their residents are not left behind.
ECO4 Scheme Wales – the path forward
While certain Welsh councils are excelling in the ECO4 Scheme, others have yet to make significant strides. As the scheme continues, it will be crucial for all councils to increase their efforts to ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency and cost savings are felt across Wales.
Residents are encouraged to check their council’s standing on the Welsh leaderboard and reach out to local authorities to learn more about accessing ECO4 Flex funding. Whether you live in a leading or lagging council area, there are opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency and contribute to a greener future.
The Top Performers: How are Powys, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire helping so many vulnerable residents?
How can ALL Welsh Councils make sure their residents receive their fair share of the £4 billion of funding?
– Ensure their Statement of Intent is live and available on their website
– Onboard and accept applications from appropriately-registered installers
– Administer flex declarations efficiently with a modest fee or, better still, no charge
Frequently Asked Questions about ECO4 Flex in Wales
What is the ECO4 Flex Scheme?
The ECO4 Flex Scheme is part of the wider ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) initiative, which is a UK government program aimed at improving energy efficiency in low-income and vulnerable households. The ‘Flex’ element refers to local councils having more flexibility in determining who can qualify for the scheme, enabling them to extend support to households that may not be otherwise eligible but are still in need. They do so by issuing Flex declarations for these households.
| Ways to Qualify | About | Is it ECO4 Flex? |
| Receiving Benefits | If a household receives Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (income-based), Pension Credit Savings Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit There are no additional income requirements if a household claims an eligible benefit listed. | No |
| Child Benefit | If a household claims Child Benefit and also meets Child Benefit income rules. | No |
| Health conditions | Health conditions including respiratory disease, asthma, mobility issues qualify | Yes |
| Vulnerable | Households that are vulnerable can access the grants | Yes |
| Low-income | Household income must be under £31,000 | Yes |
My council hasn't published a Statement of Intent - what does this mean for me?
Until councils publish their Statement of Intent, nobody in that region will be eligible through the ECO4 Flex routes.
When does the ECO4 scheme end?
According to Ofgem, the ECO4 scheme runs until March 2026. It’s important to note that it may conclude sooner, depending on whether energy companies meet their obligations. This could mean grant availability is cut. For this reason, we strongly recommend assessing your eligibility sooner rather than risking missing out.
What types of improvements can be made under the ECO4 Flex Scheme?
How do I know if I'm eligible for these grants?
To determine if you qualify for the ECO4 Flex Scheme, the simplest method is to use the free grant checker available on the Energy Saving Genie website.
Why does the distribution of ECO4 funding in Wales matter?
Monitoring the distribution of ECO4 funding ensures that Welsh households receive equitable support compared to those in other parts of the UK. It also reveals which councils are making the most of the scheme to benefit their residents and pinpoints areas where improvements are needed.
What do councils need to do to improve their standing on the leaderboard?
Councils seeking to increase their delivery of ECO4 can improve by:
- Ensuring their Statement of Intent is live and easily accessible on their website.
- Onboarding and accepting applications from properly registered installers.
- Administering flex declarations efficiently, preferably with a modest fee or no charge.
- Providing clear signposting on their website to guide residents toward available funding, including linking to the free grant checker on the Energy Saving Genie website.
How does council participation in the ECO4 Flex Scheme benefit Welsh households?
The ECO4 Flex Scheme benefits Welsh households by providing access to free or subsidised energy-saving improvements that might not be available through the standard ECO4 Scheme. These measures can lead to significant reductions in energy bills, improve the comfort of homes, and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change. Without a commitment from councils to issue ECO4 Flex declarations, Welsh households will suffer.
What should I do if my council isn’t actively participating in the ECO4 Flex Scheme?
If your council isn’t actively participating in the ECO4 Flex Scheme, it’s important to voice your interest. Visit your council’s website or contact your council directly to inquire about the scheme and encourage them to take action. Councils lagging behind may benefit from additional encouragement from residents to prioritise participation.
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the Energy Saving Genie ECO4 Grant Checker.
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