Scots have been burned by high energy bills for some time, with monthly costs being 60% higher in 2024 than 2022.
And despite Ofgem’s statement of the energy price cap fall in April 2024, over 750,000 households in Scotland, including Ayrshire, will still struggle.
Fortunately, there are several energy grants, funding and loans available for Scottish homeowners, all of which are simple to apply for, if you know how.
That’s why we have put together our guide to energy support grants in North Ayrshire so that residents of Scotland can get help with their energy.
Contents:
- Types of Energy Support Available for North Ayrshire residents
- ECO4
- North Ayrshire Council Emergency Support Fund
- Home Energy Scotland
- GBIS
Types of Energy Support Available ECO4
ECO4 in North Ayrshire Council, is a program that helps residents with low incomes and those vulnerable to the cold improve their home's energy efficiency and reduce their heating bills.
It's part of a larger UK government initiative but delivered with some flexibility by the Council.
| ECO4 | |
| Goal | Reduce energy bills and carbon emissions for qualifying households. |
| Who is Eligible? | Low-income households (generally under £31,000 annual income) Residents vulnerable to the cold due to health conditions. Those receiving benefits. |
| What does ECO4 offer? | Funding for energy-saving measures like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and renewable heating system upgrades including solar panels and air source heat pumps. |
North Ayrshire Council identifies potentially eligible households based on income and vulnerability criteria.
The Council doesn't directly install the measures. Instead, they refer you to approved installers, such as Green Home Systems.
The final decision on who receives ECO4 support rests with the energy suppliers after a property survey to assess the work's cost-effectiveness.
North Ayrshire Council Emergency Support Fund
North Ayrshire Council launched a £450,000 fund to help with the energy crisis back in October 2023.
This scheme aims to provide much-needed funds directly to low-income households to help with their energy bills.
The payment scheme is the next phase of the Council’s wide-ranging ‘Energy Smart’ programme, introduced to provide a variety of supports to households struggling with soaring energy prices and inflation.
For more information on the Emergency Support Payment call 01293 310 000 or visit the website for further details.
Home Energy Scotland
| Home Energy Scotland (HES) | |
| Goal | Help homeowners in Scotland make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their reliance on expensive heating systems. Lower carbon emissions and contribute to a greener Scotland. |
| Who is Eligible? | Homeowners in Scotland. Self-builders in Scotland (for renewable energy or energy storage systems only). |
| What does ECO4 offer? | Grants: Up to 75% of the cost of approved energy efficiency improvements, with a maximum of £7,500 (increasing to £9,000 for rural and island areas). Separate grant available for up to £7,500 (or £9,000 for rural areas) to install new heat pumps. Loans (Optional): Interest-free loans to cover any remaining costs of approved energy-saving improvements not covered by the grant. |
You can apply for the grant program without taking out a loan. Home Energy Scotland itself doesn't provide the grants or loans directly. They act as a resource to help you find and apply for the programs offered by the Scottish Government.
GBIS (The Great British Insulation Scheme)
| GBIS (The Great British Insulation Scheme) | |
| Goal | Improve the energy efficiency of the least energy-performing homes in Great Britain. Reduce fuel poverty and help bring down energy bills. |
| Who is Eligible? | You aren't directly eligible for GBIS as a homeowner. The scheme targets specific groups, typically: Homes in lower council tax bands (A-E) with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Homes with an EPC rating of D or below where someone in the household receives specific benefits. |
| What does ECO4 offer? | GBIS doesn't provide grants to homeowners. Instead, energy suppliers are obligated to reach certain targets for installing energy-saving measures in eligible homes. These measures typically involve single insulation improvements, such as: Loft insulation Cavity wall insulation The cost of these installations is partially or fully covered by energy suppliers under the scheme. |
You don't directly apply for GBIS but you can check your eligibility here. Green Energy installers, such as Green Home Systems, will contact eligible households to promote eligibility awareness. For more information contact Green Home Systems.
Conclusion
With rising energy bills causing financial strain for many, North Ayrshire residents don't have to face the challenge alone.
Several government initiatives and support programs are available to help improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bills.
This guide has provided a starting point to explore these options, including:
- ECO4: Funding for energy-saving measures like loft insulation and renewable heating system upgrades including solar panels and air source heat pumps, for low-income households and those vulnerable to the cold.
- North Ayrshire Council Emergency Support Fund: Provides direct financial assistance with energy bills for qualifying households.
- Home Energy Scotland: Offers grants and loans to help homeowners make energy-efficient improvements.
- GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme): Targets low-income and vulnerable households with free insulation measures installed by energy suppliers.
Don't wait to take advantage of these resources!
By making your home more energy-efficient, you can save money on your bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a warmer, more comfortable living space