The UK Government’s aims to reduce energy consumption and phase out energy-draining equipment. It launched the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme in 2012. The main purpose of this scheme is to help those in low-income households to reduce the costs of heating their home, whilst boosting energy efficiency and moving to more environmentally friendly systems.
Under the scheme, eligible households could get a replacement gas boiler, a central heating grant (if no boiler), an insulation grant, or a grant towards electric heaters.
Free boiler grants are available in England, Scotland and Wales and all grants are non-repayable. Additionally, these Government ECO grants are only available to the homeowner. This includes landlords.
Why change boilers?
Technological advances mean that new boilers are able to offer considerably greater efficiency than those that were manufactured 10-15 years ago. As an example, new combi boilers have an efficiency rating of around 90% (meaning only 10% is lost), whereas those from around 10 years ago will have efficiency ratings of between 65% and 80%.
Additionally, all new boilers must be condensing boilers. These release gas at much lower temperatures than traditional boilers which means they need less energy in order to create the same amount of heat. Modern boilers also offer a smaller carbon footprint and help to keep energy costs lower – an old boiler can cost over £300 a year more to run than a new one.
Eligibility criteria – physical
Firstly, there are requirements in terms of the size of the property. This is because the savings that can be made from an environmental/carbon perspective are related to the property size. In real terms, this means that most flats are not eligible for this scheme because the savings that can be generated are not significant enough to justify the cost of replacing the equipment.
Secondly, as well as being large enough, there must be an existing ‘low-efficiency’ boiler in the property. The current boiler must be at least 6 years old. If there are doubts about eligibility, whether the existing boiler is classed as ‘low-efficiency’ will usually be decided by an assessment.
Thirdly, the property must be connected to a mains gas supply.
Eligibility – Income/benefits
The free boiler grants are aimed at low-income households. This group currently spends a significant amount on energy costs and would benefit significantly from the lower bills that more efficient boilers can bring.
The most important qualifying criteria in-terms of income is that total household income amongst all residents must not exceed the maximum amount. This maximum amount varies according to the number of adults and children in the property, and the type of benefits that are received.
To be eligible, a permanent resident living within the property must be receiving benefits such as child tax credit, child benefit (with a qualifying household income), working tax credit, disability living allowance, pension credit, jobseekers’ allowance, universal credit, or employment and support allowance.
Knowsley council boiler grants
Knowsley council boiler grants are available to residents in the local area who meet the eligibility criteria. If you think you may be eligible for one or more Knowsley council boiler grants, why not use our simple online application process to find out, today?
