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Get ready to find out if you can get a whole-house upgrade through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant scheme. The ECO grant scheme has £4 billion of funding to upgrade the least efficient homes and this Government initiative, is open now for applications from South Ayrshire homeowners.
The ECO grant scheme offers a range of upgrades, from insulation installation to full A-rated heating systems installations. The grants are 100% funded and are designed to make your home more energy-efficient and to reduce your energy bills.
For the properties in South Ayrshire that qualify for these grants they are very generous. Let’s dive into the world of ECO grants in South Ayrshire together so you can see if you qualify and if so get your application submitted.
What grants are available in South Ayrshire?
One of the biggest grants schemes available in South Ayrshire is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant scheme. It offers ‘whole-house’ improvements to homes in the South Ayrshire Council area. The grants require a minimum improvement and so applicants often receive a combination of improvements to their home.
- Air source heat pump grants
- Boiler grants (non-condensing boilers upgraded)
- First time central heating grants
- Electric storage heater upgrades with Solar PV
Key information about the grants:
- 100% Fully funded if the property is eligible
- There is nothing to pay towards the cost
- Inclusive of normal warranties and guarantees with additional scheme guarantees including an insurance-backed warranty on the Trustmark Data Warehouse
- The funding is a grant not a loan and so does not have to be repaid if you move or your circumstances change
We are expecting the following grants to be made available as part of the Great British Insulation Scheme (ECO+):
- Cavity wall insulation grants
- External wall insulation grants
- Internal wall insulation grants
- Loft Insulation
- Roof Insulation
- Underfloor insulation grants
The grants are free and 100% funded if the property is eligible. Not all properties are eligible but for the properties that do qualify the grants are very generous.
The Energy Saving Genie free grant checker will help you find out if your property is eligible. You can get an immediate assessment and apply in less than a minute.
Who is eligible for grants in South Ayrshire?
Grant are available to homeowners, renters and tenants with low income, with health issues or vulnerable people or those who receive benefits.
Luckily South Ayrshire have published a Statement of Intent and that means that applications can be made through all the eligibility routes.
The easiest way to see if you are eligible is to use our eligibility checker here.
| Eligibility route | Available in South Ayrshire |
|---|---|
| Receiving benefits | Yes |
| Child Benefit | Yes |
| Income-based | Yes |
| Health-related | Yes |
| Vulnerable people | Yes |
What grants can I get and how much are they worth?
The amount of money you could receive for the grant depends on a range of factors but it most cases the least efficient your home is the more grant funding you’ll receive.
This means if your property is eligible, the grant scheme pays for 100% of the cost of home improvements and unlike other schemes it is generally all paid for or not viable. So for the properties that do qualify the grants are fully-funded. If a property isn’t fully-funded applicants can pay the shortfall but in most cases the grants are 100% free if the property qualifies.
The amount you’ll get depends on the annual bill savings that can be achieved through upgrading the home.
The grants are currently available as follows (subject to survey and meeting eligibility rules):
- Non-condensing boiler upgrade grants - 100% funding for upgrading your boiler
- High heat retention storage heater upgrade with solar PV grants - 100% funding to upgrade inefficient storage heaters and to install Solar PV
- First time central heating grants - 100% of the installation cost (properties must not have previously had central heating) - if the property had mains gas prior to 31 March 2022 central heating with mains gas can be installed but if there wasn't a gas meter in place then central heating with a heat pump can be installed
- Air source heat pump grants- up to 100% of the installation cost (only available where electric, solid fuel heating or other inefficient heating is the main heating source)
- Loft Insulation - up to 100% of the installation cost (usually only available alongside other heating grants)
- Roof Insulation - up to 100% of the installation cost (usually only available alongside other heating grants)
- Wall insulation grants (either cavity wall or internal wall insulation) - up to 100% of the installation cost (usually only available alongside other heating grants)
What is the process of applying for these Government grants?
Applying for a Government ECO grant is a straightforward process that involves several key steps.
Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Apply for the grant (60 seconds)
To begin, you’ll need to submit an application for the ECO grant. This typically involves providing your personal information and details about your property. Energy Saving Genie makes this step easy with our user-friendly application process. Simply fill in the required information, and we’ll handle the rest.
Step 2: Provide proof of eligibility (5 minutes)
Once your application is submitted, you’ll need to provide proof of eligibility. This may include documents such as income statements, property ownership documents, and other relevant information. Our team will guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary documents to support your application.
Step 3: Installer Assessment (48 hours)
After establishing provisional eligibility, we’ll connect you with a registered installer who has contracts with major energy suppliers. The installer will conduct an assessment to evaluate your specific energy-saving needs and determine the most suitable measures for your property. They will consider factors such as insulation requirements, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy solutions. If you are applying through the benefits route this can take as little as 48 hours but if you are applying through one of the ECO Flex routes the installer has to wait for South Ayrshire council to issue an eligibility declaration.
Step 4: Survey (1-2 hours)
Next, a survey will be conducted at your property to gather detailed information about its energy efficiency and any necessary installations. This step ensures that the recommended measures align with your property’s specific requirements and energy-saving goals. The survey takes 1-2 hours and during the survey the surveyor will take pictures that are relevant to the application so the grant can be submitted to the energy company. If you reach this stage it is usually a good sign that the installer thinks the application will be viable. The surveys cost installers from £200 up to £400 per property and they pay for that themselves if the application doesn’t progress to an installation leaving them out of pocket if the grant is unsuccessful (they want applications to be successful!).
Step 5: Survey Review (approx 2 weeks)
Once the survey is complete, the installer will carefully review the findings and recommendations. They’ll ensure that all necessary measures are documented and assessed in line with the ECO scheme rules. This step usually takes at least two weeks and it provides a comprehensive plan for your energy-saving improvements.
Step 6: Installation (1 day+)
With the survey reviewed and approved, it’s time to proceed with the installation process. The trusted installer will carry out the necessary work, such as installing insulation, upgrading heating systems, or implementing renewable energy solutions. The installation will be performed efficiently and to the highest standards, ensuring optimal energy savings for your property and the installer will submit the paperwork to the energy company on your behalf.
Step 7: Guarantees and warranties issued (1-2 weeks)
Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive guarantees and warranties for the installed measures. These documents provide you with peace of mind, assuring you of the quality of installation and the installed products. In addition to normal manufacturers warranties all Energy Company Obligation installations get an additional insurance-backed guarantee on the Trustmark data warehouse. If any issues arise in the future, you can rely on these guarantees and warranties for support and assistance.
At Energy Saving Genie, we’re committed to making the process of applying for a Government ECO grant as seamless as possible. Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring that you receive the energy-saving solutions you need to improve the efficiency of your home. Let’s work together to get you Government grants while also creating a more sustainable and cost-effective future for you!
Where can you find out more about these Government grants?
The Government department BEIS set the rules for these Government grants and they have appointed Ofgem as the regulator of the scheme.
You’ll find more information regarding the organisations involved in the scheme via the links in the table below.
| Organisation | About | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ofgem | Ofgem administers the Government's Energy Company Obligation and they have publish the rules for the grant scheme on their website. | Visit website |
| South Ayrshire Council | South Ayrshire Council's only involvement is to sign declarations for registered installers. They don't accept or offer grants directly. They have to publish a Statement of Intent to allow ECO4 Flex applications to be submitted. | Visit website |
| Energy Saving Genie | Energy Saving Genie have a network of installers that have direct access to funding across most of the obligated energy suppliers. | Check eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions aim to provide answers to common questions about the ECO Scheme and energy-saving measures available to South Ayrshire residents. Here you’ll find information on eligibility criteria, application processes, benefits, and more. Explore the answers below to gain clarity and take the first steps towards a more energy-efficient home. If your question isn’t listed feel free to contact us at hello@energysavinggenie.co.uk.
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 Scheme is a government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes. It provides grants for measures like insulation and heating upgrades or heat pumps to eligible residents.
Who is eligible for ECO grants in South Ayrshire?
All residents of South Ayrshire, Scotland, may be eligible for ECO4 Scheme grants. Factors such as income, property type, and existing heating and insulation are taken into account and the least efficient homes get the most funding. You can check if you qualify here.
What types of energy-saving measures are covered by the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 Scheme covers a range of measures, including insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy solutions, such as heat pumps.
How can I check my eligibility for ECO4 Scheme grants in South Ayrshire?
You can easily check your eligibility for ECO4 Scheme grants in South Ayrshire by using our free grant checker on our website.
What is the process for applying for ECO4 Scheme grants?
Once you’ve checked your eligibility, our team will guide you through the application process. We’ll help you gather the necessary documents and connect you with registered installers.
How long does it take to receive ECO4 Scheme grants?
The processing time for ECO4 Scheme grants can vary, but with the help of our free grant checker and on-going support from our team we aim to make it a smooth and efficient process. You’ll be provided with an estimated timeline during the application process.
Are there any costs involved in applying for ECO4 Scheme grants?
Our grant checker and application assistance services are completely free. In the majority of cases there aren’t any contributions required from the homeowner and if viable the grants are 100% funded.
Can I choose my own installer for ECO4 Scheme measures?
You need to apply with an installer that has direct access to funding or to an energy company that is obligated. We work with a network of registered installers who have contracts with all of the major energy suppliers. We constantly check feedback, wait times and review customer experiences so that you are connected with only the very best, trusted and reliable installers.
Can I combine ECO4 Scheme grants with other energy-saving incentives?
This is a good question and the answer, is ‘it depends’. In some cases, ECO4 Scheme grants can be combined with other incentives but it is worth looking at all available grants as sometimes accessing one grant would invalidate an application to another grant scheme. Our team and the installers can provide information on available options during the application process.
What are the benefits of using Energy Saving Genie’s free grant checker?
Our free grant checker quickly determines your eligibility for ECO4 Scheme grants, saving you time and effort. It’s the first step towards accessing grants to improve your home’s energy efficiency and it takes less than a minute to check eligibility, apply and register for updates.
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Fill in the short form to see if you are eligible for Government grants.