How does the ECO scheme work

How does the ECO scheme work?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) was introduced by the government in 2013 and applies to all energy utilities companies who have more than 250,000 domestic customers, or who supply more than 400 gigawatt hours of electricity or 2,000 gigawatt hours of gas to domestic customers annually.

Under ECO these companies must deliver a range of funded upgrades, known as measures, to properties to improve their energy efficiency. These measures are based on keeping a property warm and insulated and are designed to help raise people out of fuel poverty. Measures can include boiler replacements, first time central heating grants, and a range of home insulation projects for loft spaces, interior and exterior walls, and flooring. For eligible households, it can also cover air-source heat pumps.

Despite being introduced by the government, the scheme is actual funded by the energy companies who are obligated by the government to make UK homes energy efficient in line with a wider policy covered in the Clean Growth Strategy. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is now committed to the operation of the scheme until 2028.

Each energy supplier is given an individual ECO target that must be met, or they face being handed a substantial fine. These targets are based on their share of the domestic gas and electricity market.

Funding – What is an ECO managing agent?

Anesco is a successful managing agent for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). We are responsible for allocating the funding and administration of the property upgrades that fall under the scheme, also known as measures. We work alongside approved ECO installers, local authorities and housing associations.

Eligibility for funding is determined through meeting certain criteria, this can include a household with a low-income, those in receipt of certain government benefits, and the age and EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of the property, or a combination of all three.

ECO4 boosting the economy

Beyond the immediate benefit to UK households, the ECO scheme supports the economy as it requires a myriad of businesses and skilled people to deliver it. Furthermore, it boosts the economy for industries, such as manufacturing, with demands for the materials that are required to make the properties energy efficient.

Your trusted ECO partner

Safe hands. Anesco is an established and respected energy efficiency and renewable energy company with more than £60M turnover per annum.
Over funding available.
Our experienced team has been responsible for managing many of the country’s largest and most complex energy efficiency projects.
In 2020 alone, we were involved in more than 22,000 measures and are currently on track to top 60,000 under the current ECO scheme.
For our PAS2030:2035 Approved Anesco Installer program we provide ECO4 funding and a high level of administrative support, a lead generation service, along with one-to-one account management to help simplify the often-complex requirements of operating under the scheme.
For local authorities, housing associations and private sector landlords, we can provide help and advice on ECO4, access to funding and the opportunity to tap into our network of approved PAS2030:2035 certified installers. Our seamless service is applicable to a single dwelling through to large housing stocks and portfolios.