There has been industry wide disappointment in recent weeks, about the fact that glazing has not been included in the list of eligible measures for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO+) scheme. But it’s not too late according to the GGF.
“The ECO+ scheme to provide the rapid installation of energy efficiency measures to a wider pool of households, including those in the lowest income brackets and those in the least energy efficient homes in the lower council tax bands, is still under consultation,” explains John Agnew, GGF Group Managing Director. “So rather than simply discussing the issue, companies need to act now to have their say and affect change.
“We’re encouraging businesses to respond to the consultation, Design of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO): 2023-2026 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), ahead of the 22 December 2022 deadline. The aim of the ECO+ scheme is to cut energy bills and reduce fuel poverty in the face of significant energy price rises. Glazing should be included as a means of achieving this, so we need to collectively challenge the omission of windows and doors from the scheme.
Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy comments: “Whilst we welcome schemes to assist those on low incomes and those in the least energy inefficient homes, the scheme needs to include glazing as an eligible measure. Replacing windows and doors with those that meet the latest Building Regulations can save homeowners approximately £470 per year on their heating bills at the current capped rates.”
John concludes: “The ECO+ scheme will run from 2023 to 2026 at a value of £1 billion over the three years, so offers a fantastic opportunity to any industry included in the list of eligible measures. However, as well as giving the glazing industry a much-needed boost, by including windows and doors in the scheme, homeowners will have the opportunity to achieve a completely energy efficient building envelope. It’s up to our sector to ensure this change happens, but we must act now before it’s too late.”
