The ECO4 scheme: who qualifies and how to apply

What is the ECO4 scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation is a legal obligation placed on energy companies to deliver energy efficiency measures in people's homes. Its aim is to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. ECO4 is the fourth version of the scheme (source: Ofgem).

The government sets the rules, and Ofgem, the energy regulator, oversees the scheme. You do not apply to the government directly. The work is arranged through your council, an energy supplier, or a company that arranges ECO4 installations.

When does ECO4 end?

ECO4 covers work installed from 1 April 2022 and runs until 31 December 2026, following a nine-month extension (source: Ofgem). Every application needs a survey, an approval and an installation before that date, so it is worth applying early. For the latest position and what comes next, see Is ECO4 still open?

ECO4 eligibility: who qualifies

If you live in private housing, meaning you own your home or rent from a private landlord, you might be eligible if you get one of these benefits (source: GOV.UK):

• Universal Credit
• Pension Guarantee Credit or Pension Savings Credit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Benefit
• Housing Benefit

Your home also needs a low energy efficiency rating on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):

• If you own your home: band D, E, F or G
• If you rent privately: band E, F or G, and your landlord must give permission

Not sure of your rating? In England and Wales you can look it up by postcode on the GOV.UK energy certificate register. Scotland has its own register.

If you rent from a council or housing association, your home may qualify if it is rated E, F or G. Speak to your landlord about it.

Not on benefits? The ECO4 Flex route

Under ECO4 Flex, councils, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and energy suppliers can identify other households that meet set criteria. There are four routes (source: GOV.UK):

1. Household income cap: gross household income of less than £31,000 a year
2. Multiple proxy targeting: meeting a combination of set indicators of low income or vulnerability
3. NHS referral
4. Bespoke targeting by the council

Not every council takes part. Contact yours to find out, or check your eligibility with us.

What can ECO4 pay for?

GOV.UK says you may get help with the cost of:

• insulation, for example loft or cavity wall insulation
• replacing or repairing your boiler, or other upgrades to your heating

Ofgem also lists first-time central heating, renewable heating and district heating connections among the measures ECO4 can deliver. The energy supplier decides which measures it will fund for each home (source: Ofgem).

Who funds ECO4?

ECO4 is paid for by energy suppliers. The obligation applies to the companies Ofgem lists as obligated suppliers, including British Gas, E.ON Energy, EDF Energy, Octopus Energy, Ovo Energy, Scottish Power and Utility Warehouse (source: Ofgem).

You do not have to be a customer of the supplier that funds your work. Ofgem says you can get help from another obligated energy company while staying with your current provider.

Is ECO4 free?

For most eligible households the work is fully funded and nothing is repaid. Ofgem is clear, though, that ECO is not a grant scheme. Energy companies decide which projects to fund and how much, and "in some cases, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of the installation". If that happens, Ofgem encourages you to shop around (source: Ofgem).

How to apply for ECO4

There are three ways to apply:

1. Contact your local council and ask whether it is taking part in ECO4 and ECO4 Flex.
2. Contact any obligated energy supplier directly.
3. Apply through a company that arranges ECO4 work, such as Ecosave Boiler Grants.

For advice, Ofgem points to Simple Energy Advice in England and Wales, Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282, and Nest in Wales on 0808 808 2244 (sources: GOV.UK, Ofgem).

Where Ecosave fits

Ecosave Boiler Grants is a private company, company number 15667856. We are not the government or an energy supplier. We check your eligibility, arrange the home survey, and arrange the installation when your home is approved for ECO4 funding.

What happens after ECO4 ends?

The government has not announced a direct replacement for ECO4. We keep Is ECO4 still open? up to date with the latest position and the schemes that follow.