ECO4 supports energy-efficiency improvements in eligible homes in Great Britain and runs until 31 December 2026. Suppliers decide which projects to fund and how much support to offer. Meeting an eligibility route does not guarantee free work, so confirm the proposed measures and any contribution in writing.
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- ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026 - ask a participating supplier whether it is accepting suitable new projects.
- Eligibility does not guarantee funding - the supplier chooses which projects to support and may ask for a contribution.
- Check the correct household route - qualifying benefits, social housing and ECO4 Flex each have specific property and household conditions.
- Child Benefit has income caps - confirm the limit for your household composition rather than using a single figure for everyone.
- Get the agreement in writing - review the measures, installer, cost, guarantees and timing before agreeing to work.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is a UK government programme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in low-income and fuel-poor households. It is the fourth iteration of the ECO programme, running from April 2022 to December 2026.
The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026. In England, check the council-run Warm Homes: Local Grant as another route to support. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has different rules and supports eligible low-carbon heating.
Obligated energy suppliers arrange ECO4 work through installers and retrofit coordinators. Ofgem says most ECO measures must be installed by, or under the responsibility of, a TrustMark-registered business, so ask for the installer’s TrustMark details. You can approach an obligated supplier even if it does not supply your current energy account. Check Ofgem’s consumer guidance before agreeing to a project.
What Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 takes a “whole house” approach. Rather than funding a single measure such as a new boiler, it aims to improve your home’s overall energy rating. Measures funded include:
Full list of ECO4 measures
| Category | Measures | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Loft, cavity wall, solid wall (internal/external), underfloor, room-in-roof, flat roof | Most common ECO4 measure – largest energy saving per pound |
| Heating | Gas boiler replacement, oil boiler replacement, first-time central heating, storage heater upgrade | Boiler must be broken, inefficient (non-condensing), or a back boiler to qualify |
| Low-carbon heating | Air source heat pump, ground source heat pump | Prioritised for off-gas-grid homes |
| Renewables | Solar PV panels | Only for homes with electric heating (no gas) |
| Other | Draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, heating controls | Usually installed alongside larger measures |
The specific measures you receive depend on your home’s EPC assessment. An installer will survey your property and recommend the combination that delivers the biggest energy rating improvement.
Who qualifies for ECO4?
Ofgem sets household and property conditions. The main pathways include qualifying benefits, eligible social housing and ECO4 Flex. A supplier must assess the proposed work as well as the household.
Qualifying benefits
Ofgem lists benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Pension Credit Savings Credit, Housing Benefit and Child Benefit. Child Benefit is subject to income caps that vary by household composition. Ask the supplier to confirm your route against current guidance and the evidence it needs.
ECO4 Flex
Local authorities and other authorised bodies can identify eligible households through the defined ECO4 Flex routes. Contact your council if you are on a low income or have a condition affected by a cold home. A council referral still does not guarantee that a supplier will fund the project.
Property requirements
- You must own the property or have the landlord’s permission.
- The scheme targets homes with poor energy performance; permitted measures vary by tenure and energy rating.
- A survey must establish which improvements are suitable.
- Ask who will coordinate the retrofit and how ventilation and damp risks will be addressed.
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How to Apply for ECO4
- Check your EPC rating – Search your address at GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate. Ask the supplier which energy-rating rules apply to your tenure and proposed measures.
- Confirm your benefits or income – Have your benefit letter or proof of income ready. For LA Flex, contact your local council first.
- Contact an ECO4 installer or your energy supplier – Call your energy supplier directly (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, or Octopus) or use an approved ECO4 installer. They will check your eligibility.
- Home survey – An assessor visits your property to determine which measures will deliver the best improvement to your EPC rating.
- Installation – Approved installers carry out the work. Confirm the supplier contribution and any amount you must pay before work starts.
Check availability directly with a participating supplier. The scheme end date does not guarantee an installation slot or funding for your home. Keep a copy of the agreed scope and price.
ECO4 vs Other Grant Schemes
| Scheme | What You Get | Who Qualifies | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Insulation, boiler, heat pump, solar | Low-income / on benefits, EPC D-G | Supplier assessment; a contribution may be required |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Heat pump or biomass boiler | Eligible property owners in England and Wales | Cost minus the applicable grant; up to £9,000 for qualifying oil/LPG replacements without mains gas |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (England) | Agreed efficiency and heating improvements | Eligible privately owned homes, council funding available | Approved work funded by the council; confirm the agreed package |
ECO4 funding cannot be blended with other government grants for the same project. Ask the supplier about sequencing if you plan separate work through another scheme. Check the Warm Homes: Local Grant service and our UK boiler grants guide for other routes.
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