ECO 4 & GBIS Flex

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) are government energy efficiency schemes run by Ofgem.

They are both four-year schemes and are intended to run from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2026.

The main aim of these schemes is to support low income and vulnerable households to:

• install energy saving measures
• improve the efficiency of the lowest rated homes

This is to help the government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments. 

Participating local authorities can refer households they consider to be:

• living in fuel poverty
• on a low income

50% of the funding is delivered through Local Authorities with a Statement of Intent (SOI)

See Essex County Councils SOI

Essex County Council are working with National Energy Foundation (NEF) and Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) to deliver these schemes as well as impartial expert advice to help improve the energy efficiency of your home, save money and improve comfort.

To apply, either:

• call 0800 107 0044
• apply online with BHBH

To be referred for the ECO4 and GBIS Flex schemes you must be living in Essex and be a homeowner, private tenant or landlord. Residents of Southend and Thurrock are not eligible and should only apply for energy schemes with Southend City Council or Thurrock Council.

Landlords may be asked to contribute towards the costs of installed measures. This will depend on the circumstances of the tenant at the qualifying property.

Your property must have an energy efficiency rating between bands D to G and you must either:

• have a household income below £31,000
• be identified by your doctor or GP as having a health condition which may be impacted by living in a cold home
• be identified by Essex County Council as a vulnerable household which is not eligible under any other scheme

To gain funding, a survey of the property must be done to determine suitable measures and certain other criteria. Not all properties will be eligible.