ECO+ scheme announcement and consultation
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 28 November 2022, Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps launched a government push to help millions of people across the country bring down their energy costs. This is part of plans to deliver a new energy demand reduction target which was announced in the Autumn Statement, reducing energy demand by 15% by 2030.
[edit] Plans announced
Under the plans announced, the new ECO+ scheme will extend support to those not currently benefitting from any other government support to upgrade thier homes. In addition to the existing £6.6 billion ‘Help to Heat’ energy schemes this new £1 billion funding will ensure hundreds of thousands more households benefit from new home insulation and with that, lower bills.
A new £18 million public information campaign will also offer technical tips and advice for people to cut their energy use, while keeping warm.
Of the £1 billion funding available through the new ECO+ scheme, around 80% will be made available for those households who are in some of the least energy-efficient homes in the country – that is, those with an EPC rating of D or below – and in the lower Council Tax bands.
This is on top of £6.6 billion of existing spend in this parliament through Help to Heat schemes including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Home Upgrade Grant and Local Authority Delivery Scheme.
[edit] Consultation
The UK Government intends to lay necessary legislation for the scheme to launch in spring 20223 and run until March 2026. However, the government also plans to work with energy suppliers to explore the potential for some earlier delivery in 2023. The consultation will ran from 28 November to 23 December 2022.
[edit] ECO+
The existing ECO scheme (known as ECO4) is targeted at those who need support most; those in social housing, on a low-income or fuel poor. However, with the significant increase in energy bills, the government intends that up to 80% of ECO+ will help a wider customer base who are currently not eligible for support under existing government-backed energy efficiency schemes.
[edit] Further information
For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-joins-with-households-to-help-millions-reduce-their-energy-bills
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.