How it Works!

learn more about the process from application to installation and aftercare

Affordable Warmth Obligation (HHCRO)

Also known as the Home Heat Cost Reduction Obligation, this obligation provides free boiler and insulation grants to those who receive certain means-tested benefits. It aims to reduce fuel poverty amongst low-income households by ensuring that heat is generated as efficiently as possible and is prevented from escaping from the home.

The latest phase will run until March 2022 and gives households that missed out on the initial two ECO programs an opportunity to benefit from warm housing policies.

In order to qualify for ECO grants there are certain benefit related criteria the customer must meet. If the customer receives one of the following benefits then they may be eligible for a grant to help fund an ECO measure.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR ECO GRANTS?

BENEFIT TYPE
  • Tax Credits
  • Pension Credit (Guaranteed Credit)
  • Income Related Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • War Pensions Mobility Supplement
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit
  • Carers Allowance

What are the Energy Companies Obligations (ECO)?

In an attempt to reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced by energy companies, the UK Government has set targets for energy companies to meet. Under the Energy Companies Obligations (ECO) agreement, energy companies are obliged to provide UK homeowners with ‘primary measures’ to use less energy.

What’s included in the boiler grant?

If you are successful in your application for a boiler grant, you will receive a new boiler, which will be installed in your home. Please be aware that you may also need brand new heating controls to work alongside your new boiler.

If you do, then this will often be included in the grant, so you won’t usually have to pay any extra for this added luxury. However, in a small amount of cases will a small contribution from you be required.

In order to find out if you are eligible for a boiler grant please contact an energy supplier who is offering this scheme. HBC Eco cannot offer this scheme direct to customers. For further information, please visit: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/eco/about-eco-scheme

FAQ

The so called ‘Big Six’ energy companies have made funding of £1.3 billion per year available as part of the Green Deal scheme. This funding is available to make energy efficient improvements to most properties.

The more energy efficient your home is, the less energy you use. This means you will save money on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint and helping to reduce the impact on the environment.

If your boiler is old it can be very inefficient and you could be wasting up to half the gas you pay for! Get it professionally replaced by using the funding available to you and make sure it is an A-Rated appliance for the very best in energy efficiency. See if you qualify for a FREE Boiler and Installation or Contact Us today for a Free Survey.

No. ECO is a grant to provide funding which can be used for improvements to the energy efficiency of your home and does not need to be paid back. ECO is not available for all energy efficiency work and will sometimes depend on certain eligibility criteria. If you have any questions please contact us on 01254 447 541 however, please be aware that as part of their job, your DEA/GDA (Domestic Energy Assessor/Green Deal Advisor) needs to show you what ECO funding you qualify for during the assessment.

No. The ECO funding used for your free boiler also covers the installation of the boiler and the removal of your old one. You do not have to pay for anything.

If you choose HBC Eco to carry out your assessment we will carry out any required technical surveys and application forms for the funding. All of our qualified DEA/GDAs are equipped with iPads which have the full Green Deal Application software installed. This means that you can see exactly what is available to you and what application is being made for funding, all from the comfort of your own home. There is no obligation or charge for this service.

No. There are three main parts to ECO and HBC Eco will ensure that you can access the correct ECO funding. Typical energy efficiency measures that anyone can apply for are those which are particularly expensive or more specialised than standard improvements, such as loft and cavity wall insulation. HBC Eco is concentrating on improving standards and efficiency in those properties that are most in need of insulation. If you know your property has solid walls or is known as a System Build or 'non-Traditional' please get in contact.

Green Deal is a useful financing method that allows people to pay for energy saving improvements through reductions in their energy bills. Green Deal was first launched in January 2013 and applies to both the domestic and non-domestic sector. It replaces current policies such as the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP).

Yes. Properties with any type of meter can apply for ECO Funding.

Yes. You can still change your energy supplier at any time.

To register your interest email: info@gecnw.co.uk or call 01254 447541 or apply here using the application form.

A condensing boiler is far more efficient than older boilers. It not only uses less fuel, but it makes more efficient use of the fuel it does use. Older boilers might only use 60% of the fuel it uses to produce heat, whereas a condensing boiler is designed so it can efficiently use more than 90%.

HBC Eco is determined to present a transparent view of all of the services provided. We encourage all our clients to visit the Energy Saving Trust website for impartial advice.