Homeowners and those in private sector housing may be able to get help with their energy consumption, through the ECO Flex scheme.
ECO (Energy Company Obligation) is a requirement which was placed on some of the bigger energy companies. They must help to:
- improve the energy performance of domestic properties for the most vulnerable
- reduce carbon emissions, and
- lower fuel bills
Suppliers do this by installing measures in homes that reduce energy consumption. Usually, these are insulation measures and replacement boilers. It is possible that a contribution will be required towards the cost, however it will be heavily subsidised.
In the current ECO phase, there is a Flexible Eligibility option. This is where the Council can set criteria to direct assistance towards local private sector homes at risk of fuel poverty but falling outside of the normal rules of ECO (usually qualifying benefits).
The Council can access Flexible Eligibility funds on the production of a Statement of Intent. This allows us to set income levels and guidelines to target those most in need.
Residents meeting these agreed criteria, subject to the council issuing a Declaration for their properties, can be assumed eligible by Energy Companies for ECO-funded energy efficiency improvements.
If you would like to know more, please email Housing Services at ecoflex@fife.gov.uk.
Read our Statement of Intent and ECO flex guidance here.
Installers
If you are an installer or energy company and interested in delivering an ECO4 Flex and GBIS Flex programme in Fife, please email ecoflex@fife.gov.uk