The ECO 4 scheme, part of the Energy Company Obligation, is the fourth and likely final phase. It assists qualifying households in obtaining funding for energy-efficient home improvements. If you qualify for the grant, you can replace your old boiler. Moreover, the scheme covers free insulation, central heating heat pumps, etc.
This article covers the eligibility requirements for this scheme. For other details, application process, etc. you can explore our Free Boiler Scheme to learn about eligibility criteria and installation process. With that out of the way, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
What’s the ECO4 Scheme?
Well, ECO4 is a UK government initiative aligning with its Net Zero 2050 goals. Designed to enhance energy efficiency in the least efficient homes, ECO 4 targets low-income households, particularly those in fuel poverty. The goal is to improve the energy efficiency rating of vulnerable households. The scheme will end in March 2026. If eligible for an ECO4 grant, heating upgrades could be fully funded by energy companies. Covered measures include boiler replacement, air source heat pumps, solar panels, insulation measures such as roof, loft, and cavity wall insulation, etc.
Objectives of ECO4 Scheme
Firstly, ECO4 aims to cut carbon emissions in UK homes. Secondly, the government has tasked energy companies to align with the net-zero target and provide home upgrades. Next, the scheme helps people use less energy and save money on heating costs. Now, homeowners and tenants, meeting the criteria, can engage in ECO4. The scheme wants all households to be energy-efficient. It increases property value.
EPC Requirements Under ECO4
ECO4 requires households to submit an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In homes with existing EPC bands F or G, grants must elevate the rating to at least band D. For those in bands D or E, the goal is a minimum of band C. So if your EPC score meets the criteria, you must apply for the grant. By doing so, you’ll be able to save lots of money on home upgrades. Moreover, you’ll save money on installation. This is because the scheme already covers installation costs. So from boiler replacement to installation, you’ve to pay nothing. This is a free scheme for all home upgrades. But again, your EPC score must be as per the criteria.
ECO4 and GBIS
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly ECO+, has bolsters ECO since September 2023. Aiming to insulate 300,000+ homes in England, Scotland, and Wales, it runs alongside ECO4. With a £1 billion budget, it targets lower council tax bands, offering support for roof, loft, or cavity wall insulation.
Unlike ECO4, GBIS extends eligibility beyond income or benefits. It prioritizes households with low council tax (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales) and an EPC rating of D or below.
Measures covered under ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme covers several heating measures. Look at the following:
- Upgrade from a non-condensing boiler to an A-rated boiler.
- Replace inefficient storage heaters with high heat retention storage heaters.
- Upgrade inefficient heating systems to air-source heat pumps.
- Install wall insulation (cavity wall or internal wall insulation).
- Add loft or roof insulation.
- Address ventilation needs.
- Enhance heating controls for improved efficiency.
Eligibility Requirements
ECO4 aims to enhance energy efficiency in nearly half a million UK homes. Apart from the EPC rating, you must receive specific government benefits:
- Income-based jobseekers allowance or JSA
- Income Related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings
Housing Benefit and Pension Credit Savings are new, making applicants eligible. Keep in mind that ECO4 eligibility requirements may change over time. But if you don’t meet these, Local Authority Eligibility Flexibility (LA FLEX) can help you. So contact your local energy supplier.
How to apply for ECO4 Scheme
To apply for the ECO4 Scheme, start with a quick application that takes 60 seconds. Use any online free grant checker such as available on the website of Eco Energy Services for instant eligibility results. What’s more, your application is processed on a priority basis. Next, a local registered installer is assigned to do installation at your home. If you’re eligible, the installer schedules a free survey of your property. Upon approval, they consult you for the best installation date. After that, the installer submits your application to the relevant energy company. And they pay the ECO4 grant directly. Finally, the approved home upgrade is installed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ECO4 aims to address fuel poverty. It helps low-income households to get free home upgrades. The government wants all households to save energy. Further, it wants them to reduce fuel prices. On top of that, the scheme is crucial for the UK’s Net Zero goal. From boiler replacement to insulation and heat pumps, the scheme covers a wide range of home upgrades. The application is accessible and streamlined. ECO4 contributes significantly to environmental goals. Consequently, it enhances home energy performance. So apply today, if you haven’t done it yet.