Households may be able to slash the cost of their energy bills with certain Government schemes – and one in four aren’t aware they exist.
Some schemes even entitle people to receive money from energy firms, which is an opportunity not to be missed.
Roland Ellison, editor at The Eco Experts, said: “With so many different Government funding schemes available in different parts of the UK, applying can be a complicated area for consumers to navigate. More needs to be done by the Government and scheme administrators to make low-carbon technology funding easier for consumers to understand and apply for.”
According to The Eco Experts’ 2024 National Home Energy Survey, nearly half of people in the UK say cost is the biggest barrier to adopting renewable energy, while a quarter are unaware of schemes available to help with the expense.
He added: “If the Government wants people to take advantage of these funding schemes, they should ensure that they are simple to access and to adopt.”
Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme allows people who generate energy from solar panels, wind turbines, and other low-carbon technologies to earn payments from energy companies for feeding electricity into the National Grid.
According to Eco Experts, this can help offset the initial installation costs of solar panels and other clean energy sources, potentially bringing forward your breakeven point by a few years.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and can still generate power on cloudy days, meaning you can save on energy bills even in less sunny areas.
According to the Eco Experts’ 2024 National Home Energy Survey, just 3% of the public are aware of this scheme.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The Energy Company Obligation ECO4 is run by energy suppliers and can cover the cost of installing energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation or an upgraded heating system.
Applicants must receive one of the following benefits to be eligible for the ECO4 scheme:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
- Child Benefit
Anyone with additional Department of Work and Pension (DWP) benefits will also have access to ECO4, regardless of whether they receive Universal Credit. You’ll need to live in a home with an energy rating of D to G (or E to G in some cases).
According to the Eco Experts’ survey, just 6% of the public are aware of this scheme.
Home Upgrade Grant
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is a Government-backed scheme offering energy efficiency upgrades and low-carbon heating through funding from local authorities.
Available to eligible households in England, the grant covers at least 60% of insulation costs. Landlords of rented properties can receive up to £16,000 to improve their buildings. HUG is also open to those seeking grants for solar panels
To qualify, people must:
- own and live in the property they’re applying for
- not use a mains gas boiler as their home’s main heating system
- have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G – if you do not know your home’s EPC, you can find it out when you apply.
People also usually need to have a household income of £36,000 a year or less, however, they might still be eligible even if they earn more than that in some postcode areas.
According to the Eco Experts’ survey, just 7% of the public are aware of this scheme.
Tom Armstrong, managing director of Project Solar UK, said: “There remains a clear gap between awareness and widespread adoption of low carbon technologies.
“The challenge for Government, industry leaders, and businesses alike is to bridge this gap – by effectively communicating the benefits, and simplifying the process for consumers to transition to cleaner energy.”
