ECO4: Boiler Replacement & Solid Wall Insulation
“Her health and wellbeing have improved a great deal. She’s in less pain from her arthritis because she’s staying warm.”
Name: Mrs D
Area: Clifton, Nottingham
Measures: Boiler replacement (saving £3,929.51), Solid Wall Insulation (saving £17,066), Priority Services Register & water bill discount
Savings: £21,295.51
Background
Mrs D is 90 years old and has lived in a 3-bed mid terrace property in Clifton for sixty years. She has a heart condition and arthritis. After being referred to Nottingham Energy Partnership (NEP) by Age UK, NEP got in touch with her daughter to advise her about the available support. Mrs D’s daughter reported that her mother’s back boiler had broken, leaving her without heating or hot water. Due to her arthritis, she was in “severe pain” and needed help making her home more comfortable.
NEP were able to offer support through the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4).
In addition, Mrs D received a water bill discount through Severn Trent’s Big Difference scheme, and support through National Grid’s Priority Services Register.
ECO4: Free Boiler Replacement & Solid Wall Insulation
Mrs D’s daughter said that her mother had an “old meter and an unsafe boiler, paying nearly £400 a month on gas and electricity.” Struggling with a cold home, she needed urgent support to improve the living conditions.
Through the government initiative ECO4, she received a grant for the free installation of solid wall insulation and a replacement combi boiler.
The free solid wall insulation saved Mrs D £17,066 per year, as well as £3,929.51 on a new and improved combi boiler.
In support of this, she had a smart meter installed, offering her more control over her new heating system. Her daughter was pleased that the contractors wrote clear instructions on how to correctly use the smart panel – “It was really thoughtful of them.”
“The bills were very high, but now she has a smart meter we’ve seen an instant and significant change … Now, she pays around £60-£120 per month.”
“Their manners with my mum were excellent. She's vulnerable, but they were very considerate. They adjusted their work to fit her routine—she watches TV in the back room every day, so they made sure to leave that area for last so she could enjoy it while they work. They also prioritised the bedroom, it was done first so she could sleep in it and stay warm. I’m very pleased with the team who came in.”
With the improvements, Mrs D’s home has an improved energy efficiency and is safer and more comfortable.
National Grid’s Priority Services Register
National Grid’s Priority Services Register (PSR) ensures that vulnerable homes receive advanced warning of planned electricity interruptions, are prioritised for reconnection, and are given this priority information or support as necessary. Due to Mrs D’s elderly age and health conditions, she was eligible for support. Her daughter, who corresponded with NEP on her mother’s behalf, told us: “The scheme was explained clearly, making me very happy and confident in understanding everything.”
Severn Trent’s Water Bill Discount
Mrs D’s daughter reported that her mother had been struggling with high energy bills. Severn Trent’s Big Difference scheme provides a disco up to 70% off the water bills for low-income households. Now that she is in receipt of the discount and her average of savings for her Water bill are £300.
What did you think about the service?
“The scheme was explained clearly, making me very happy and confident in understanding everything.”
“The process went smoothly. Thank you!”