Energy Company Obligation (ECO) 3 help to heat flexible eligibility - Joint Statement of Intent

The Local Authorities listed below have all adopted this Joint Statement of Intent: and have a signed version on their respective websites:

• Darlington Borough Council
• Hartlepool Borough Council
• Middlesbrough Council
• Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
• Stockton-on-Tees Borough 

The Energy Company Obligation Regulations 2018 - 22 (ECO3) allows local authorities to set their own criteria for eligibility for funding for domestic energy efficiency measures.  Energy companies can spend up to a maximum of 25% of their full obligation within this local authority defined criteria.

The inability to keep warm at home is more than just a comfort issue; it has real impacts on peoples' health and well-being and on community spirit.  Additionally, trying to adequately heat an energy-inefficient home results in considerable unnecessary emissions and can drain a family of money.  The Tees Valley Authorities signing this Statement of Intent welcome the Flexible Eligibility powers for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Affordable Warmth grant as a means to help address fuel poverty and to promote affordable warmth.

These powers will allow these Councils to provide affordable warmth assistance to fuel poor households, that are not eligible under the existing criteria, and to low income households that are vulnerable to the effects of cold.  Across the Tees Valley 12.7% of households are estimated to be experiencing fuel poverty according to the most recent Government estimate.

It must be explicit that the final decision on whether an individual household receives an ECO measure is made by the energy suppliers or their agents/contractors.  Inclusion in a Declaration issued by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council or a partner neighbouring local authority will not guarantee installation of measures.  The final decision will depend upon:

• The survey carries out by the supplier's contractors and the installation costs calculate
• The energy savings that can be achieved for a property
• Whether suppliers have achieved their targets or require further measures to meet their Energy Company Obligation targets