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In summary
Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Monmouthshire
Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been working with residents in Monmouthshire for the past three years to assist them not just save money on their energy bills, but also support the UK’s efforts to decrease carbon emissions.
We are fully dedicated to assisting Monmouthshire residents in accessing the funds to which they are entitled, with both ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme (supported by LA Flex) accessible to qualified homes.
So how and why do we do this?
To help the UK achieve its Net Zero emissions target, the government has launched initiatives such as the ECO4 scheme and other grant programs. At Consumer Rights, we are dedicated to supporting this mission.
Almost two-thirds of Monmouthshire’s private rental properties have an energy efficiency rating of D or lower, suggesting that there is a lot of space for improvement in this area.
To meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), private rental units must have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E. It is illegal to rent out properties with a rating of F or G unless they have a valid exemption. Landlords in Monmouthshire will also be impacted by the UK Government’s intentions to raise the minimum EPC rating requirement for rental buildings to band C by 2030.
Customer Rights Supporting Monmouthshire Homes
Through local energy efficiency projects and government-backed programs like ECO4, Consumer Rights CIC has been actively helping Monmouthshire people raise their property’s EPC rating. Because of the region, these programs are especially important in Monmouthshire:
- Pre-1930s homes: Monmouthshire has a significant number of period properties, including Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes. While these properties add to the area’s charm, they often suffer from poor insulation and outdated heating systems.
- Interwar and post-war homes: Properties built between the 1920s and 1950s, especially in towns like Abergavenny and Chepstow, tend to have better construction quality but still benefit from upgrades like cavity wall insulation and modern heating systems.
- Rural cottages and farmhouses: Monmouthshire’s rural landscape includes many detached cottages and farmhouses, which often have solid walls, making them less energy-efficient and more expensive to heat.
EPC Ratings for Monmouthshire
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Monmouthshire have an EPC rating of C or higher. These homes are relatively energy-efficient but could still benefit from further improvements, such as renewable energy installations.
- D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in Monmouthshire fall into band D. These properties typically have standard insulation and heating systems but could become significantly more efficient with additional upgrades.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Monmouthshire are rated E, indicating poor energy efficiency and higher energy costs. These homes often require improvements such as wall insulation, boiler upgrades, and modern heating controls.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): The least energy-efficient properties are rated F or G. These homes require significant upgrades, including insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, to meet current energy standards.
Many homes in Monmouthshire are eligible for energy efficiency improvement projects since properties must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for government funding.
How local authority support works
Consumer Rights is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the GBIS Scheme, allowing you to install energy-saving measures in your residence. Determine your eligibility and submit an application.
How to check what support you can get
1. Complete the Eligibility Checker
Visit our Eligibility Checker and use the tool to answer questions about your property and personal circumstances.
2. Centre Call Contact
After completing the checker, a member of our qualified contact centre team will call you. They will:
- Discuss your property and the upgrades available.
- Walk you through the application process.
- Help gather any required documents.
3. Property Survey and Upgrade Options
- The team will arrange for a survey of your property to assess the upgrades that can be offered.
- If you want to proceed, they will schedule a time to carry out the necessary work.
If you think you may be eligible for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.