What is the ECO4 Scheme?

The ECO4 Scheme is a UK government initiative dedicated to enhancing home energy efficiency, reducing emissions, electricity usage, and energy bills across Great Britain.

The ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation, phase 4) offers free grants for energy-saving measures like insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations like solar panels and heat pumps – helping you reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and combat fuel poverty.

The scheme mainly targets households with low EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Its primary focus is on providing funding for energy-efficient home improvements to low-income households and those living in poorly insulated homes, under ECO4 eligibility. It is expected to meet Net Zero emissions criteria.

This is the 4th stage of the ECO Scheme that will only last till 2026. So don’t wait – start your application today!

The ECO4 Scheme grant applications are now open for October 2024

Are You Eligible for ECO4 Scheme?

  1. Homeowners: The ECO4 Scheme is aimed at homeowners. Tenants can apply with landlord’s permission if they qualify. Landlords can encourage their tenants to apply (both parties need to agree).
  2. Income and Benefits: If your household has low income, and you receive qualifying benefits, you are likely to get it (no benefits? we may be able to help through other grants).
  3. Property Type and Condition: Prioritisation is given to households living in fuel poverty or with low Energy Performance Certificate EPC rating D and lower.

You can find more details about eligibility in our FAQ section below.

What Improvements Are Covered under ECO4 Scheme?

Under ECO 4 grant, a variety of improvements can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency.

The exact enhancements depend on your property’s assessment. Though not every home qualifies for all upgrades, we aim to fully exploit your property’s energy efficiency potential, aiming to improve your EPC rating to an A!

solar panels air source het pump integration
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Heating measures

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Insulation

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Smart Heating Controls

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EPC rating improvement

Energy Performance Certificate issued when iproving EPC rating D, E, F and G to higher ratings.

Learn more about what grants are available here or click the button below to check if you qualify to receive full funding from ECO4 grant.

ECO4 scheme funding

Where to start? ECO4 Scheme Application Process

If you’re a homeowner on benefits, you’re likely in line for full funding. Start by clicking below to provide some basic details.

We’ll run an initial eligibility check and, if successful, arrange for a surveyor to evaluate your home’s potential under ECO 4 Scheme.

This could range from insulation upgrades to heating system improvements – the possibilities are extensive. Post-survey, we’ll schedule the necessary work to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.

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Step 1

Check your ECO4 eligibility below to find out if you can apply for the insulation grants

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Step 2

One of our Energy Advisors will contact you to book a survey followed by an installation appointment

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Step 3

Enjoy lower bills and relax within your improved and energy efficient home!

ECO4 scheme eligibility check – It only takes 2 minutes and no commitment

What benefits qualify for ECO4?

Wondering if you qualify for the ECO4 Scheme? Here’s a list of benefits that make you eligible for energy-efficient home upgrades. If you’re receiving any of these, you could be on your way to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Included in the Company Obligation ECO 4 Scheme are:

ECO4 grant is available to:

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Homeowners or Private Tenants
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Individuals who get income-related benefits
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Properties with low EPC Score
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Properties with inefficient heating systems

ECO 4 scheme qualifying benefits

Child Tax Credits (CTC)
Child Benefits – depends on income threshold* (see thresholds)
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Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
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Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

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Income Support (IS)
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Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
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Universal Credit (UC)
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Warm Home Discount Rebate
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Working Tax Credit (WTC)

Newly added with ECO4’s roll out are:

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Housing Benefit
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Pension Credit Saving Credit

What benefits no longer meet the eligibility criteria?

Benefits which are no longer included in the energy company obligation ECO 4 criteria after being eligible under ECO3 Scheme include:

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Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
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Attendance Allowance
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Carer’s Allowance
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Constant Attendance Allowance
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)**
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Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)**
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Severe Disablement Allowance**
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War Pensions Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

**Claiming the Disabled Facilities Grant or disability-related benefits previously doesn’t ensure ECO4 grant qualification. Yet, if you’re on Universal Credit now, the scheme might be accessible to you.

*Child Benefit income threshold to qualify to receive ECO 4 fund.

Number of children Single claimant Member of a couple
1 £19,900 £27,500
2 £24,800 £32,300
3 £29,600 £37,200
4 + £34,500 £42,000

 

The Long-Term Upside and Benefits

So what’s in it for you is the natural question you may ask. Where do we start?!

  1. 100% Free: You read that right – it costs you nothing. As a UK government initiative, Energy Suppliers are obligated to fund improvements for vulnerable households provided that your property qualifies for the scheme!
  2. Slash Your Energy Bills: With heightened energy efficiency, you’ll see a noticeable drop in heating costs.
  3. Future-Proof Your Home: Energy prices are on an upward trend. Act now to secure insulation measures upgrade and save money down the line.
  4. Scheme Duration: ECO4 grant is available until 2026, time is of the essence to benefit from this free financial assistance.
  5. Enhanced Comfort: Say goodbye to inefficient heating systems, drafts and chilly evenings.
  6. Embrace Smart Heating: It’s the era of technology; why not upgrade to smart heating for free?
  7. Boost Your Property Value: Beyond saving on bills, your home’s market value will likely increase with any energy efficient upgrades.

With the ECO4 scheme, it’s not just about immediate gains; it’s an investment in your home’s future, comfort, and sustainability. The clock is ticking on this free opportunity to transform your living space – explore your ECO4 grant eligibility for heating improvements today and take a giant leap towards an energy-efficient tomorrow.

ECO4 scheme energy company obligation website

Check if you can apply for ECO4 grant today.

ECO4 Scheme reviews and feedback

People we’ve helped say this… 

Why Choose UK Energy Support?

Here’s why we think UK Energy Support team is the right fit for you. We’ve been in the insulation game for over a decade, deeply involved with the government’s Energy Company Obligation grant scheme right from the beginning. This experience has not only built our expertise, but also our passion for making homes decrease heat loss and become more energy-efficient throughECO 4 Scheme.

UK Energy Support ECO4 Scheme installer

Here’s what we bring to the table:

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Long-standing Experience: Our journey through the ECO scheme has given us a rich understanding of how to make the most of most energy inefficient properties for homeowners.

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Quick to Determine Eligibility: We get straight to the point, quickly figuring out if you’re eligible, so we can move on to the important part – improving heating efficiency measures in your home.

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Detailed Property Surveys: Our energy efficiency installers carefully assesses what your home needs, ensuring we identify the best ways to improve energy efficiency.

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Effortless Process: We handle everything from the initial checks of the minimum energy efficiency requirements, through energy assessment to the final installation, and yes, the paperwork too. We aim to make it as smooth and hassle-free for you as possible.

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Genuine Customer Satisfaction: But don’t just take it from us. Our customers’ feedback speaks volumes about the hassle-free, efficient service we provide

Read our customer reviews!

ECO4 is a government backed scheme

UK GOV website address

What else is there to know? Energy company obligation ECO 4 grant explained

Who is eligible for ECO4 funding?

Eligibility for the ECO4 scheme is reserved for homeowners and private tenants, in properties (houses and flats) with EPC ratings of D, E, F or G who claim income-related benefits, such as income-related employment and support allowance (see full list of ECO4 grant scheme qualifying benefits).

Landlords can also encourage their tenants to apply, but both parties need to agree.

If you find you don’t qualify through our assessment, there are other government energy support initiatives you could also try, but checking with your local authority is a wise step.

Local authorities may offer access to funding for energy-saving measures through other grant schemes, such as LA Flex – Flexible Eligibility, providing additional support beyond the ECO4 grant for those receiving income-related benefits.

What is the EPC rating for ECO4 eligibility?

The EPC rating required for ECO4 eligibility is D, E, F, or G, as these properties are less energy efficient and the scheme aims to enhance their efficiency.

How much is the ECO4 grant worth?

The ECO4 grant offers financial assistance up to several thousand pounds for energy-efficient installations in eligible homes. This can include air source heat pumps, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and new electric storage heaters. The grant specifically targets homeowners, especially those on benefits, helping them enhance energy efficiency at no personal cost. Eligibility and the extent of coverage are determined by energy suppliers.

It’s important to note that no cash alternative is available if you need help with gas and electric bills; the grant solely covers the cost of work and installed items. ECO4 grant eligibility criteria set by energy suppliers determine what improvements can be made to reduce energy costs effectively.

How do I claim my ECO4 grant?

To claim your ECO4 grant, start by checking your eligibility. If you’re a homeowner or private tenant, you can access funding for energy efficiency measures through the ECO scheme if you claim benefits.

After confirming your eligibility, we’ll survey your home to identify which improvements, such as insulation or other measures, can help you use less energy.

Your energy provider or energy companies support these upgrades to reduce your energy consumption. We handle all the paperwork as well as the installations, making the process straightforward for you.

What does ECO and ECO4 mean?

The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme, including its latest phase, ECO4, is an initiative where energy companies are obligated to help improve energy efficiency in British homes.

Specifically targeting the least energy efficient homes and those in fuel poverty, ECO4 focuses on implementing energy efficiency measures such as insulation and heating measures.

This is to reduce energy bills for those most in need, facilitated through their energy supplier.

You can find out more about What is ECO4 Scheme? from UK parliament website.

Does PIP qualify you for ECO4?

No, receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) alone does not qualify you for the ECO4 grant. However, if you receive other qualifying benefits alongside PIP, you may be eligible for funding under ECO4 grant. For households solely on PIP, exploring alternative schemes and local government assistance for energy efficiency measures is recommended.

How can households that don't claim benefits access funding?

Households not claiming benefits can access funding for energy efficiency through the Great British Insulation Scheme and other local government initiatives.

Under the ECO4 Scheme, while the primary focus is on providing  free grants for low income families on income support to access funding for energy-saving measures like new energy efficient heaters, heating system or insulation, there are provisions for vulnerable households that might not traditionally qualify under standard criteria.

If you don’t claim benefits but need support, there is also an option to apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme (which we provide too!).

Additionally, local authorities, in collaboration with the UK government, can facilitate access to other funding. This includes installations like an air source heat pump or an electric storage heater, aiming to fix energy efficiency and reduce business energy costs.

How long will ECO4 last?

ECO4 will run until 2026, at which point it will transition to the ECO5 Scheme. under new rules and eligibility criteria.

Who are UKES & what do we do?

UK Energy Support is run by a trusted North East installation company called UK Energy Management NE Ltd based in Sunderland, although we operate across the entire United Kingdom.

We are working in accordance with Ofgem regulations through a government-backed scheme and often with local authority offering no-cost home energy efficiency upgrades, fully funded by energy suppliers. Our mission is to lower heat loss in homes and reduce your energy bills in UK households before ECO4 final stage impact assessment.

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The ECO4 grants were open from April 2022 and will last until 2026 only. You can check if you’re eligible for the application today.

Don't wait! Apply for ECO 4 Today

Contact us to explore your options for the best electric heating system or insulation installation under ECO4 Scheme. Taking action now can help you manage your energy bills more effectively, regardless of the weather.