ECO3 Boiler Grants

Cressida100

I hope I have posted this in the correct place. Has anyone used a company called EC03 for a boiler grant. I cannot find out much information about them so would really appreciate any comments from personal experience. Thank you. 

QrizB

ECO3 is a UK government scheme under which energy suppliers are obliged to improve energy efficiency for their less-well-off customers.

There are brief details here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco

and a list of energy company contacts here:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco-supplier-contact-details

There may be companies trading with ECO3 in their names but I'd be vey cautious in dealing with them. You might be better off contacting your energy supplier directly via the details given on that Ofgem page.

Cressida100

I've spoken to them and I have my doubts, they are a 3rd party who will send a contractor to survey my property. I do qualify for a grant but cost to replace my boiler with a combi would be around £950 for an Ideal Logic 30 with 2 year guarantee and wireless controlled thermostat. I may get a survey but in the meantime I have British Gas quoting to get a comparison. It didn't fill me with confidence when their telephone call got blocked as 'spam' on my phone ........

worrywart_3

On an eco3 grant it should cost about £249 to £350 even some of the energy companies listed try to charge as much as a local plumber it’s an absolute nightmare to navigate this scheme, warma who a lot of the energy companies use are terrible for this. You don’t have to use your own energy company I used octopus before I was with them, but sadly they have changed to warma now who I would avoid. I think won/edf is the way to go one of them though your boiler has to actually be broken. 

Do not get British Gas out as a comparison they are the most expensive out there, have you not got a local plumber that is recommended by someone.

Cressida100

worrywart_3 said:

On an eco3 grant it should cost about £249 to £350 even some of the energy companies listed try to charge as much as a local plumber it’s an absolute nightmare to navigate this scheme, warma who a lot of the energy companies use are terrible for this. You don’t have to use your own energy company I used octopus before I was with them, but sadly they have changed to warma now who I would avoid. I think won/edf is the way to go one of them though your boiler has to actually be broken. 

Do not get British Gas out as a comparison they are the most expensive out there, have you not got a local plumber that is recommended by someone.

Thank you for your reply. I have now spoken to a few different companies and I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble. I have been told by the the latest 'conduit' (their words) that I can only have like for like so could not change from my present Potterton boiler to a combi. It really does feel like a hard sell. I will still let BG quote and then probably end up going local and paying full price for peace of mind. My boiler is classed as 'broken' as I have to manually get the pilot to ignite (don't ask). It's also 25+ years old. At my last service I was informed that the parts are still available. I do have the name of a local plumber, as I qualify for the scheme I just felt I should investigate it if it was saving me a lot of money. You live and learn. 

worrywart_3

I got there in the end but it was an awful experience. About as confusing and fit for purpose as everything else the government does to tick a box, it was worth my tenacity in the end as had a new boiler fitted for £249

Cressida100

worrywart_3 said:

I got there in the end but it was an awful experience. About as confusing and fit for purpose as everything else the government does to tick a box, it was worth my tenacity in the end as had a new boiler fitted for £249

Now you are making me what to pursue it! I'm still waiting for a call from the first 'contractor' to survey the property so maybe I will let them come and see how it goes face to face, it's nice to know it does work for some people.