Surrey homes among UK's LEAST likely to have had energy upgrades

The upgrades, delivered through the government-backed Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, include improvements like insulation and heating system upgrades.

The South East has received just 76.3 energy efficiency measures per 1,000 households since 2013, according to official ECO data, making it the second lowest-ranked region in Britain and less than half the national average.

Michael Davie, a property expert at PureBuilt, said: "What this data shows is just how different the experience can be depending on where you live.

"Some communities have seen significant levels of investment through government-backed energy efficiency schemes, while others have seen comparatively little activity.

"The concern is that many households are still unaware they may qualify for support.

"With the current ECO4 scheme ending in December, people who leave it until next year may discover the opportunities available today are no longer there."

The current ECO4 scheme is set to close on December 31, 2026.

Surrey residents now have only a limited time to find out if they are eligible for support before the scheme ends.

Since its launch in 2013, the ECO programme has delivered more than 4.4 million energy efficiency measures across Great Britain, including insulation upgrades and heating system improvements.

Regional disparities are clear in the rollout of the scheme.

The North West has received 241.4 ECO measures per 1,000 households, compared to just 73.1 in London and 76.3 in the South East.

The national average stands at 155.7 measures per 1,000 households.

Two Surrey districts are among the ten lowest-served large council areas in Britain.

Mole Valley recorded just 36.4 ECO measures per 1,000 households, while Epsom and Ewell recorded 42.6.

Households in Bradford have received around 16 times as many ECO measures per household as those in Mole Valley.

The low delivery rates are particularly striking given Surrey’s high housing costs and large stock of older homes, which are often less energy efficient and more expensive to upgrade.

Despite the size of the scheme, many households remain unaware that they could be eligible for support.

Mr Davie advised homeowners in Surrey to act quickly while the current scheme is still available.

He said: "The biggest mistake people make is assuming energy efficiency improvements are something they can think about later.

"Improving insulation isn't just about reducing bills.

"It's about creating a warmer, more comfortable and more resilient home for years to come."

Mr Davie recommended five steps for Surrey households to consider before ECO4 ends:

Check eligibility – Many people assume they won’t qualify for support without checking.

Eligibility depends on household circumstances, property type, and local authority schemes.

Prioritise major heat loss areas – Focus on improving the building envelope before cosmetic upgrades.

Review your EPC – An Energy Performance Certificate can highlight where improvements will have the greatest impact.

Compare multiple quotes – This helps ensure value for money and avoids poor-quality work.

Act before winter – Demand for upgrades rises as temperatures drop, limiting options and availability.

Mr Davie said: "Whether someone is eligible for funding or intends to pay privately, the important thing is not to leave it until the last minute.

"The homes that benefit most are often older properties that have been losing heat unnecessarily for years.

"Taking action now gives people the widest range of options before the current scheme comes to an end."

Future support is expected to transition into new government-backed programmes after ECO4 closes.

In the meantime, experts are urging Surrey residents to explore their options as soon as possible to avoid missing out on available funding and support.