An independent evaluation of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
By CSE
Commissioned by Energy UK
April 2014

An independent evaluation of the Energy Company Obligation commissioned by Energy UK.

In 2014, the ECO was the Government’s flagship energy efficiency initiative alongside the Green Deal. We undertook a thorough analysis of whether the ECO was meeting its aims and its predicted costs.

We analysed the energy suppliers’ data on their ECO progress and costs, and conducted interviews with suppliers, Green Deal providers and installers about their ECO experiences.

The picture that emerged is one of a new scheme starting to pick up speed after a slow start, but with several design flaws that have hindered progress in a number of areas. We made six key recommendations for the ECO’s future based on our findings.