Depending on where you live, there may be support available to you in order to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
– David Muir, ECO4 recipient, Perth
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government energy efficiency scheme led by the private sector in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. Funded by major energy suppliers, the 4th version of this project, ECO4, will help householders save on their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. The scheme will operate until 2026.
Scarf deliver the scheme on behalf of participating Local Authorities and manage the referral process to our Approved Framework of ECO4 contractors.
In order to benefit from ECO4 your property will need to require energy efficiency upgrades. The specific measures that would benefit your home would be determined by a retrofit assessment. You must own your own home or have permission from your landlord. Eligible households may be entitled to free or low-cost measures to improve the energy efficiency of their home.
Under the ECO4 Flexibility programme, participating local authorities 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.
If the household is eligible, supporting evidence will be collected. After that participating Councils will provide the sign-off (declaration).
Full Eligibility criteria are outlined in the Local Authorities Statement of Intent:
Eligibility to be referred forward for a contractor survey is generally based upon a gross household income of £31,000 or less and must have an energy efficiency rating of D or less: (https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/ ).
The inclusion of a household in a local authority 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:
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.
Referrals for ECO4 will only be accepted from Home Energy Scotland / Scarf/ Council/ Approved ECO 4 Framework Contractor.
Scarf and Home Energy Scotland 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:
Home Energy Scotland: 0808 8082282
Scarf: 01224 213 005
Approved contractor list
Contractors approved to deliver ECO4 Flex
If you would like to make an enquiry regarding these schemes please call: 0808 808 2282
– William, ABS recipient, Aberdeenshire
The Area Based Scheme is a Scottish Government–funded programme designed and delivered by local authorities, working in partnership with local delivery partners such as Scarf.
The scheme focuses on fuel-poor areas, aiming to install energy efficiency improvements – such as wall insulation, and solar panels – in eligible Scottish homes. These upgrades can help make homes warmer, reduce energy bills, and lower carbon emissions.
Only pre-notified properties are eligible for this funding. Delivery is managed locally, and the types of measures available can vary depending on your local authority area.
Scarf supports the delivery of EES: ABS schemes in a number of areas in the North East:
Scarf supports the delivery of EES: ABS schemes in a number of areas in the North East:
Aberdeenshire Area Based Scheme
Approved Contractor: Sureserve (formerly Everwarm)
📞 0808 16 452 50
Perth & Kinross Area Based Scheme
Approved Contractor: BRB Electrical Ltd
📞 0141 892 0775
If you have received a letter and would like to make an enquiry regarding any of these schemes, please call 0808 808 2282.
The scheme involves a few simple steps to make sure the right improvements are installed in your home and that you’re supported throughout the process:
Receive your invitation letter
If your property is eligible, you’ll receive a letter inviting you to take part in the scheme. The letter includes information about what’s available in your area and how to register your interest.
Register your interest
Use the link or contact details in your letter to let us know you’d like to take part.
Household assessment & technical survey
The appointed contractor will contact you to arrange a survey of the property to assess whether the measures can be installed in your property.
Offer & agreement
You’ll receive details of the proposed works and any homeowner contribution required.
Pre-installation survey
Before any work begins, we’ll ask you to complete a short survey. This is a Scottish Government reporting requirement and helps measure the impact of the scheme.
Installation
Works are carried out by an approved contractor at a time that suits you.
Immediate post-installation satisfaction survey
Once installation is complete, we’ll contact you to check that everything went smoothly and offer support if you have any questions or concerns.
Handover pack
You’ll receive information about the improvements made and how to get the most benefit from them.
One-year follow-up survey
Around a year after installation, we’ll be in touch again to complete a final survey. This helps assess longer-term benefits and identify any issues that may have arisen over time.
You can find more information on EES: ABS from the Scottish Government
To support area-based ECO and EES-ABS schemes, Scarf also provides free home visits. Our advisors will get to know you and your property to provide tailored advice, helping you heat your home for less.
Advisors can identify ways to make your home more energy efficient as well as assess your home for damp and condensation problems. They also provide general energy saving advice that can have you saving energy and money in no time.
Arranging your free home visit:
Scarf delivers the Home Energy Scotland (HES) service in the north east of Scotland, covering the Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Dundee City Council, Moray Council and Perth & Kinross Council local authority areas.
Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, HES offers free and impartial advice on a variety of energy saving matters and helps people access financial assistance that may be available to make their home more energy efficient, helping them to lower fuel bills.Learn More About HES
