Under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, energy suppliers are able to achieve up to 50% of their obligation by installing energy saving measures in owner-occupied or private rented households declared eligible by themselves or local authorities.
This mechanism, known as “ECO4 Flex”, allows local authorities to make declarations determining that certain households meet the eligibility criteria. ECO4 Flex is optional, and neither energy suppliers nor local authorities are obliged to participate.
Wirral residents may receive mailings or flyers from companies or lead generators offering measures under ECO4. The measures include heating and insulation improvements as well as renewable energy systems.
The companies or lead generators will check whether residents meet the national or local eligibility criteria. Those who may qualify through Wirral Council’s local eligibility criteria (see Statement of Intent below) are asked by the company or lead generator to provide evidence of eligibility and to sign an agreement to share data. The company or lead generator then submits an application form to the local authority and if the eligibility criteria are met and the correct evidence provided, a “Local Authority Declaration” is provided to them.
The declaration does not entitle you to any grant, which is at the discretion of the installation companies and is subject to a home survey.
Wirral Council does not oversee ECO or endorse any installation companies. ECO is administered by OFGEM and all installers working on the scheme must be registered with TrustMark. Residents must ensure the installation company proposing to carry out works under ECO is a TrustMark Registered Business for the works being carried out. Please visit trustmark.org.uk to check.
If you require any further information on ECO, please email housingstrategy@wirral.gov.uk