The ECO4 scheme funds free boiler replacements, insulation, and heat pumps for low-income UK households. Extended to December 2026, the programme is now in its final phase with limited funding remaining. This guide explains who qualifies, what you can get, and how to apply before the scheme closes.
- Free boiler, insulation, or heat pump - ECO4 fully funds energy efficiency measures for qualifying households, with no upfront cost
- Extended to 31 December 2026 - the scheme was due to end in March 2026 but has been extended, though most funding is allocated
- Income under £31,000 or on benefits - you qualify if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other means-tested benefits, or through LA Flex with household income under £31,000
- EPC rating D, E, F, or G required - your home’s Energy Performance Certificate must show poor energy efficiency to qualify
- Apply now - funding is limited and first-come, first-served through energy suppliers and local authorities
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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.
Unlike the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (which offers a £7,500 discount), ECO4 can fund the entire cost of improvements – from a new boiler to full home insulation. The trade-off is stricter eligibility: you must be on qualifying benefits or have a low household income.
The scheme is delivered by the “Big Six” energy suppliers (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, Octopus) and several smaller suppliers. They work with approved installers to carry out the work at no cost to you.
What Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 takes a “whole house” approach. Rather than funding a single measure, 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?
There are two routes to qualify: through benefits or through your local authority’s flexible eligibility scheme (LA Flex).
Route 1: Qualifying benefits
You automatically qualify if you (or someone in your household) receives any of these benefits:
- ✓ Universal Credit
- ✓ Pension Guarantee Credit
- ✓ Pension Savings Credit
- ✓ Income Support
- ✓ Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- ✓ Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- ✓ Child Tax Credit (income under £16,385)
- ✓ Working Tax Credit (income under £16,385)
- ✓ Housing Benefit
- ✓ Child Benefit (income under £16,385)
Route 2: LA Flex (no benefits needed)
Even without benefits, you may qualify through your local authority’s flexible eligibility scheme if:
- Your household income is under £31,000 per year
- You have a health condition worsened by cold housing
- You live in a fuel-poor area identified by your local council
- Your home has an EPC rating of E, F, or G
Contact your local council to check if you qualify under LA Flex. Each council sets its own criteria within the government’s framework.
Property requirements
- ✗ EPC rating of D, E, F, or G (owner-occupied) or E, F, G (private rental)
- ✗ Valid EPC on record (check at GOV.UK)
- ✗ Not a new-build property
- ✗ Private rental properties need landlord permission
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How to Apply for ECO4
- Check your EPC rating – Search your address at GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate. You need a rating of D or below (owner) or E or below (renter).
- 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. The entire cost is covered by your energy supplier under their ECO4 obligation.
The scheme has been running since April 2022 and most energy suppliers have allocated the majority of their ECO4 budgets. Apply as soon as possible – once a supplier’s allocation is exhausted, they stop accepting new applications. Check with multiple suppliers if one declines you.
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 | Nothing (fully funded) |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Heat pump or biomass boiler | Any homeowner (England & Wales) | Cost minus £7,500 |
| Great British Insulation Scheme | Cavity, loft, underfloor insulation | Council Tax bands A-D | Nothing (fully funded) |
| Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) | Insulation, heating, solar | Low-income, off-gas-grid | Nothing (up to £10,000) |
You cannot combine ECO4 with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for the same heating measure. But you can use ECO4 for insulation and BUS for a heat pump if you qualify for both. For a full overview of heating grants, see our UK boiler grants guide.
Common Questions About ECO4
Can I get a free boiler under ECO4?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances. Your existing boiler must be broken, non-condensing (typically pre-2005), or a back boiler. ECO4 prioritises insulation first, so a boiler replacement alone is unlikely – it is usually part of a wider package of improvements to raise your EPC rating.
I rent my home. Can I still apply?
Yes. Private tenants can benefit from ECO4, but your landlord must give permission for the work and the property must have an EPC rating of E, F, or G. Social housing tenants also qualify if their property has a very low energy rating (E, F, or G).
What happens after ECO4 ends in December 2026?
The government has signalled that a successor scheme (likely “ECO5”) will follow, but details have not been confirmed. If you qualify now, apply before the current scheme closes rather than waiting for an uncertain future programme.
How long does the process take?
From initial contact to completed installation typically takes 6 – 12 weeks. The home survey takes 1 – 2 hours, and installation depends on the measures (loft insulation takes a day, solid wall insulation can take 1 – 2 weeks).
Can I choose my own installer?
Your energy supplier will assign an approved installer from their network. You do not typically get to choose, but you can request a different installer if you have concerns about the one assigned. All ECO4 installers must be TrustMark registered and PAS 2035 compliant.
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