Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS): A Complete Guide

In this guide, we’ll break down what the EEOS scheme is, how it works, and how eligible homeowners and businesses might access funding to support meaningful energy upgrades. With Calor’s expert support, exploring your options, and taking action, becomes a whole lot easier.

What is the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS)?

The Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS) is a government-led initiative designed to reduce Ireland’s overall energy use and carbon emissions. It does this by requiring certain energy suppliers to help eligible customers complete energy-saving upgrades, from insulation to heating systems to more efficient lighting.

The scheme is overseen by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and focuses on delivering measurable energy savings across homes, businesses, and community buildings. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access funding or technical support through one of these approved suppliers.

Who are the obligated energy suppliers? And why choose Calor?

Under the EEOS, only selected energy suppliers, known as ““Obligated Parties”, are authorised to deliver energy-saving projects and offer funding or support.

Calor is proud to be a trusted obligated supplier, committed to helping our customers achieve real energy savings.

Choosing Calor means more than just accessing EEOS support. You get:

• Tailored advice based on your property, goals, and eligibility
• A team of experts who understand the ins and outs of the scheme
• End-to-end support from initial assessment to completed upgrade

We’re here to make the process easier, and to help you get the most value from any energy-saving project you undertake.

Who is eligible for the EEOS scheme?

The EEOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all scheme but for the right homes, businesses, and communities, it can unlock real savings and long-term benefits. At Calor, we help customers understand what’s possible and guide them through the process if they’re eligible. The scheme is often a good match for:

• Homeowners: Looking to make your home warmer, more comfortable, and cheaper to run? The EEOS can help cover upgrades like insulation, high-efficiency heating systems, and LED lighting.
• Business owners: From small shops to large operations, many businesses can benefit from energy-efficient lighting, smarter heating, and better controls, all of which could be supported through EEOS funding.
• Local authorities & community groups: Community centres, schools, sports clubs and other public buildings can also take part in larger-scale projects that cut costs and improve comfort for everyone who uses the space.

Benefits of the EEOS Scheme

We’ve seen firsthand how the EEOS Scheme delivers real, instant, impactful benefits for our customers.  If you’re eligible, here are just some of the benefits that come with the EEOS:

• Significant savings on energy bills: Switching to more efficient systems, like upgraded heating, better insulation, or smarter lighting, means you start using less energy right away. That translates to lower monthly bills and long-term savings that really add up over time.
• Enhanced comfort and increased property value: Think warmer winters, cooler summers, and fewer drafts. Energy upgrades do more than save money, they make your home or workplace genuinely more comfortable to live and work in.
• A smarter investment in your property: Improving your building’s energy performance can boost its value, too. Buyers and renters increasingly look for energy-efficient spaces, so the changes you make now could pay off down the line.
• Funding to help make it happen: One of the biggest barriers to energy upgrades is the upfront cost. EEOS funding helps lower that hurdle by covering part (or in some cases, all) work making it more realistic to move forward with improvements you’ve been putting off.
• A chance to contribute to Ireland’s climate goals: It’s not just about your home or business, every upgrade helps Ireland move closer to its climate goals. By reducing your energy use, you’re actively contributing to a lower-carbon future.

How to apply for the EEOS Scheme

Applying for the EEOS doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have the right support. While you can apply directly through the SEAI,  working with an Obligated Party like Calor makes the process simpler, faster, and far more supported. We’ll be with you from the first conversation to the final upgrade, helping you make sense of your options, access the funding you’re entitled to, and get real results.

EEOS scheme for homeowners: How to apply

If you’re a homeowner interested in exploring support through the EEOS Scheme for homeowners, here’s how it works:

1. Check your eligibility: To be considered for EEOS funding, your home must generally meet these criteria:
   • Built and occupied before 2011
   • Have a BER (Building Energy Rating) of B3 or lower (You can check your BER rating here)
   • Not have already received grant support for the same type of upgrade

   Not sure where you stand? That’s okay, we’ll help you figure it out.

2. Book a free consultation with Calor: Get in touch with our team to discuss your home, energy goals, and potential upgrades. We’ll let you know what documentation you’ll need and what’s possible based on your situation.
3. Receive a home energy assessment: We’ll arrange an energy assessment of your home to understand how it’s performing today. This helps identify the most effective improvements—whether that’s insulation, heating, lighting, or a combination—and which ones may qualify for EEOS support.
4. Get matched with available funding: Once the assessment is complete, we’ll walk you through any EEOS and SEAI funding options that apply. We’ll also help you prioritise the upgrades that offer the biggest impact for your budget.
5. Complete the upgrades: Calor can help coordinate the work with trusted professionals, keeping things simple and on track. The timeline will depend on the type of upgrades, but many projects can be completed within a few weeks once everything’s approved.

EEOS for business owners: How to apply

Whether you’re a small retailer, a hotel operator, or running a large manufacturing facility, the EEOS Scheme for business owners is open to a wide range of businesses. Here’s how it works:

1. Check your eligibility: The EEOS scheme is open to a wide range of commercial buildings, but eligibility depends on a few key factors:
   • Your current energy usage and systems (e.g. lighting, heating, controls)
   • Whether similar upgrades have already been funded under previous schemes
   • The potential for measurable energy savings from the project

   Not sure if your business qualifies? No problem, we’ll help you assess that upfront.

2. Book a free consultation with Calor: Get in touch with our energy team to talk through your goals. Whether you're looking to cut costs, hit sustainability targets, or modernise old systems, we’ll help you explore what’s possible. We’ll also outline any documentation or energy usage data we’ll need to get started.
3. Business energy assessment: We’ll coordinate a tailored energy assessment to understand how your business uses energy day-to-day and where improvements can make the biggest difference. This could include everything from LED lighting upgrades to heating system overhauls to smart energy management.
4. Get clarity on available funding: Based on the assessment, we’ll match your project with available EEOS funding opportunities. We’ll also help you weigh the costs and benefits of each upgrade, so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and operational needs.
5. Complete the upgrades: Once everything is approved, we’ll help you move forward with qualified contractors and suppliers to get the work done with minimal disruption to your business. Many upgrades can be completed in a matter of weeks, depending on the scope.

EEOS in Action

How the EEOS helped Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa cut its energy bills by 30%

Ready to start saving?

Contact Calor today to discover exactly how the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme can benefit your home or business.