What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income and vulnerable households to reduce their heating costs by installing energy-efficiency measures. The scheme works by an eligible property receiving a package of measures to improve its energy efficiency to a set level. 

The great news is that So Energy is now a participant of the scheme, and we're helping to make home improvements which will reduce heating bills and make homes more energy efficient.  More information on the ECO scheme can be found here.

Can I get an emergency replacement boiler via ECO?

ECO is not an general replacement/emergency boiler replacement scheme. The scheme requires a fabric first approach (including loft, cavity and solid wall insulation) to ensure the property is fully insulated prior to the consideration of upgrading any heating systems. 

Do I need to be a So Energy customer to benefit from the scheme?

You do not need to be a So Energy customer to benefit from the ECO scheme, however you must meet the eligibility requirements, this is to ensure the scheme reaches the people who need it the most. 

Who is eligible for ECO?

There is a very strict set of eligibility criteria for the scheme. If you wish to find out more about the eligibility criteria for ECO please visit: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/energy-company-obligation-eco-support-improving-your-home 

How can I apply for ECO?

If you think you meet the eligibility criteria we can share your details with our delivery partners who will check your suitability, whether your home meets the requirements and if they have an installer in your area. Please complete a referral form for the Great British Insulation Scheme by clicking here, as this includes ECO referrals also. Alternatively you can email eco@so.energy to enquire. If successful the installer will usually contact you within 4 weeks of the referral being received. If your property is found to be suitable the journey from assessment to install can take as long as 6 months. 

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a new government initiative designed to deliver improvements to the least energy-efficient homes in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills. It focuses on insulation measures only with most suitable households being able to receive one form of insulation. In most circumstances there will be a contribution to pay towards the installation of a GBIS measure. Our delivery partners will be able to advise you on the cost and you can decide if you wish to proceed.

Following feedback from our delivery partners we have made the difficult decision to only offer cavity wall insulation to homes with an EPC rating ranging from a D to a G or loft insulation to homes with and EPC rating of an F or G. This is due to the high levels of customer contributions required for other measures and the high levels of customers dropping out of the scheme as a result.

Who is eligible for GBIS?

As well as supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it will also be available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales. You can find out more about eligibility by visiting: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/great-british-insulation-scheme/homeowners-and-tenants 

How can I check my EPC rating?

You can check the EPC rating of your home by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

How can I apply for GBIS?

You can create a referral for GBIS by clicking here. 

We have received a large number of referrals since the portal opened and our delivery partners are working hard to contact all referrals as quickly as they can. We ask for your patience at this time. 

So Energy is not currently accepting new referrals but this does not prevent you from accessing the scheme as you can select any energy supplier to make a referral for GBIS. This will not disadvantage you in any way. The energy supplier you select will acknowledge receipt of your referral within 10 working days and pass your referral to their delivery partners to assess your suitability.