The main objective of ECO4 is to reduce fuel poverty by improving the least energy efficient housing stock occupied by low income and vulnerable and fuel poor households. One route that can be used to identify these households is the reformed ‘ECO4 Flexibility’ (ECO4 Flex). ECO4 Flex will remain a voluntary targeting mechanism. Under ECO4 Flex, a participating LA (or its Managing Agent – in Dundee this is SCARF), can refer private tenure households that it considers to be living in fuel poverty or on a low income and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home.
The inclusion of a household in a LA declaration / referral does not guarantee a measure will be installed in their home by an energy supplier. Decisions by energy suppliers on whether to install a measure may depend on:
i) survey carried out by suppliers, or their agents/contractors and installation costs calculated,
ii) the energy savings that can be achieved for a property,
iii) whether suppliers have achieved, or are close to achieving, their targets, and
iv) other commercial considerations.
Suppliers will carry out an assessment to decide which measures their property should receive. Residents will likely expect to receive multiple measures due to Minimum Requirements (MR).
Referrals for ECO Flexible Eligibility Affordable Warmth funding will only be accepted from Home Energy Scotland (HES) / SCARF / Council or Approved ECO 4 Framework Contractor (as detailed below). HES is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Energy Savings Trust. SCARF are the Councils delivery agent for ECO4.
Telephone advisors can answer questions about heating and insulating your home, saving money and cutting costs. They can refer on to delivery partners where appropriate.
HES phone number: 0808 8082282
SCARF phone number: 01224 213 005
