With the move to net zero goal and the upcoming requirement of energy scores improvement of less efficient properties, now is the time to evaluate the ECO4 scheme’s benefits in the UK. This government backed scheme has successfully served three phases and now in its fourth stage.
The grants or measures that UK homes received from the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme are now displayed in the statistics from Ofgem. Here, we’ll examine the actions carried out thus far. And explore the success rates of the ECO4 scheme’s energy-efficient upgrades in the UK. Read on for details.
ECO Scheme Overview
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is a government-led initiative to improve energy efficiency in homes across the UK. The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero’s programme administrator, Ofgem, states that the “ECO scheme works by placing a Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) on medium and large energy suppliers.”
The key objectives are to:
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Alleviate fuel poverty, and
- Lower energy bills for consumers
ECO4 is the latest iteration of the scheme, started in July 2022 and is expected to run until March 2026 or whenever energy suppliers reach their obligation. As we reach the halfway point of ECO4, we look at the completed energy efficiency measures installed in UK homes since the scheme’s inception.
Analysing the Success Rate
How many measures have been installed?
At the halfway point of the ECO4 Scheme (2024), 419,568 measures have been successfully installed. These measures have been installed across 100,708 homes, with each property getting an average of 4.17 in each UK home.
How many boilers have been installed?
The ECO4 Scheme has provided the installation of 45,138 upgrades relating to boiler grants:
- just 63 condensing boilers were upgraded
- 37,164 non-condensing boilers upgraded
- 7,911 first-time central heating systems on gas installed
Total = 45,138 boilers installed
How many air-source heat pumps have been installed?
As of the midway point of the ECO4 project, 19,416 heat pumps had been installed overall, including
- 13,194 heat pumps were placed in houses that formerly had a condensing gas boiler.
- 6,222 heat pumps have been installed in homes without central heating before.
Total heat pumps installed = 19,416
How many storage heaters have been installed?
- There are now three new, energy-efficient storage heaters.
- High heat retention storage heaters have replaced 2,086 ineffective storage heaters.
Total properties that have had storage heaters installed = 2,089
How many walls have been insulated?
- Insulation for cavity walls has been placed in 17,394 residences.
- 30,538 homes have had solid wall insulation installed
Total walls insulated = 47,932
How many heating controls have been installed?
A remarkable 217,035 heating controls have been installed, enabling homes to lower overall consumption, better regulate energy use, and enjoy the comforts of a warm, well-heated home. This indicates that many households would have two heating controls installed out of the 100,708 ECO4 projects that were submitted.
Total heating controls = 217,035
How many lofts have been insulated?
Under the ECO4 scheme, 52,604 lofts have been insulated, providing substantial energy savings for numerous households.
Total lofts insulated = 52,604
How many room-in-roofs have been insulated?
7,935 houses have finished their room-in-roof insulation, improving the energy efficiency of these frequently underinsulated spaces.
Total room-in-roofs insulated = 7,935
How many homes have had underfloor insulation?
1,170 houses have underfloor insulation added as part of the ECO4 Scheme, which adds yet another level of energy efficiency improvement.
Total underfloor insulation = 1,170
How many solar installations have there been?
There have been 21,767 solar PV installations, contributing to using renewable energy sources in homes across the UK. Because solar energy can only be installed in homes with an efficient heating source, 98.8% of homes that received a heating grant, such as a heat pump or electric storage heater, also had solar energy installed. All properties with gas central heating have yet to receive solar panels, as the scheme does not allow solar to be installed in main gas properties.
- In places where the home did not previously have central heating, solar was added in addition to a heat pump = 6,222
- Electric Storage Heaters (ESH) with solar placed next to them; the improvement was an inefficient heater = 2,086
- Electric Storage Heaters (ESH) are replaced by solar panels when ESH = 3.
- 13,194 installed solar where an inefficient boiler was converted to a heat pump
- 21,505 solar systems total when combined with a heating measure
Total solar installed = 21,767
In 98.8% of solar-equipped homes, efficient heating was also installed.
There were just 262 solar systems without a heating enhancement.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ECO4?
As the ECO4 scheme progresses through its final two years, it will focus on reaching the targets set for energy efficiency improvements. This includes meeting the minimum requirement target for the solid wall. The energy companies will want to deliver the grants to low-income and vulnerable households through the ECO4 scheme to avoid getting hefty fines.
What can I Anticipate from the ECO4 Scheme for the Remainder of its Duration?
In the remaining period of the ECO4 Scheme, we expect continued focus on installing energy efficiency measures and pushing towards meeting and exceeding household improvements and carbon reduction targets.
How to Apply for the ECO4 Scheme?
Applying for the ECO4 Scheme is straightforward. Households can get a free online eligibility assessment. After verifying eligibility, our certified installer will evaluate your house and suggest appropriate actions. The installation process will then be scheduled, ensuring you can benefit from improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills as soon as possible.
Summary
The ECO4 scheme made a big difference in transforming UK homes into more energy-efficient spaces. It aims to help low-income and vulnerable households by providing free heating upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and modern boilers. The scheme’s primary goals are to lower carbon emissions and reduce energy bills. It is vital to the UK’s move towards a greener future. As the government supports it, ECO4’s success rate keeps increasing day by day. This helps thousands of needy families across the UK and plays a part in becoming carbon neutral.
Many houses now have better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates, which allows the UK to meet its environmental goals. But how well it works depends on where you live, how much people know about it, and if there are enough trained workers to do the job. All in all, ECO4 has improved things, but we need to keep working to get the most out of it across the country.