Essex County Council has launched two schemes to help low-income households and vulnerable residents reduce energy costs and emissions.

Residents across Essex can apply to have solar panels, heat pumps and more energy-efficient measures installed for little to no cost.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) Flex are being offered by Essex County Council through Better Housing, Better Health to help improve energy inefficient properties.

Both schemes are available to homeowners and tenants, with landlord permission, who have a household income below £31,000 and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G. Residents with a property tax band between A and D can also apply for the GBIS. Both schemes are also available to residents with a qualifying benefit or health condition. No income limit is applied to those with a qualifying health condition.

Eligible residents could save energy costs and improve their EPC rating with insulation, boiler replacements, low-energy lighting, air source heat pumps and solar panels.

Councillor Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling at Essex County Council, said:

A low EPC rating can cost hundreds of pounds per year in energy bills, reduce the value of a property and ultimately harm the environment. However, improving it can come with an upfront cost many people can’t afford. ECO4 Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme Flex will help ensure low-income households and vulnerable residents are able to access valuable energy-saving measures. I strongly encourage Essex residents to check their eligibility here.”