The ECO4 Scheme in the UK
If you're a homeowner or tenant on low income, ECO4 can fund free energy-efficiency upgrades. This guide explains what ECO4 covers, who qualifies, the deadlines, and how to apply — so you know your rights before you buy or commit to anything.
What ECO4 is
The Energy Company Obligation 4 requires large energy suppliers to fund energy-saving upgrades for lower-income and fuel-poor households. It runs from April 2022 to 31 December 2026 (extended nine months). It is not a loan — suppliers are legally obliged to pay.
Who qualifies
Two main routes: (1) qualifying benefits — Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit (income thresholds apply), and others; (2) LA Flex — your council can refer you if you're on a low income (typically under £31,000) without those benefits. Private tenants and owner-occupiers qualify; social housing tenants should ask their landlord.
What's covered
A whole-house package: insulation (loft, cavity, solid wall), heating upgrades, air/ground source heat pumps, solar panels — aimed at lifting the home to EPC band C. EPC bands E, F, G get priority.
How to apply & deadlines
Apply through an approved installer or your energy supplier; never pay an application fee (a charge is a scam). ECO4 closes 31 December 2026 and is not being replaced by an 'ECO5' — from 2027 it is succeeded by the Warm Homes Plan delivery model. Apply early; funding is first-come, first-served.
FAQs
- Is ECO4 a loan?
- No. ECO4 is fully funded by energy suppliers under a legal obligation; you pay nothing.
- Is there an ECO5?
- No. ECO4 ends 31 Dec 2026 and is replaced by the Warm Homes Plan from 2027.
- Can tenants apply?
- Yes — private and social tenants qualify with landlord consent; social housing tenants go through their landlord.