ECO+ is a critical step for energy efficiency but more ambition is needed

The Government has announced the launch of the long-awaited ECO+ scheme, which will extend financial support to households that do not currently benefit from any other government support to upgrade their homes. It will offer grants to help pay for a range of energy efficiency measures to be installed, including loft insulation, cavity-wall insulation and smart heating controls.

Chris Friedler, Energy Efficiency Policy Manager at the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), said:

"Following on from the Chancellor’s welcome statement of an additional £6 billion in funding for energy efficiency, this new £1 billion in funding for an extension of ECO for the next three years will serve as a welcome bridge from existing to new policies. The £18 million public information scheme is also very welcome, providing a valuable service for worried households.

“However, delays to rollout of ECO+ will now mean it will struggle to be implemented in time for this winter, demonstrating the urgency of early action on energy efficiency. The government also correctly acknowledges that ECO+ is a bridge to wider action and not the end goal of energy efficiency, with plenty of further ambition required in future, such as a more comprehensive coverage for all homes. With thermostats creeping downwards as we head into winter, it continues to be a vital and positive month for energy efficiency."