About

What is the ECO4 Scheme? 

1. Overview

The ECO 4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a UK government-backed grant programme that helps low-income and vulnerable households make their homes more energy-efficient. Big energy suppliers are legally required to fund upgrades, reducing energy bills and lowering carbon emissions.

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2. Who Is Eligible

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• Homeowners 

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• Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) typically needs to be rated D, E, F or G to qualify. 

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• Financial criteria: If you receive certain means-tested benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, etc.), you may automatically qualify. 

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• There’s also a Flex (local authority) route, meaning you might qualify even without benefits if your household income is under ~£31,000 a year, or if you’re vulnerable to cold due to health / other factors.

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3. What the Scheme Covers Under ECO4,

 

Eligible homes can get a range of energy-saving upgrades, such as:

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• New, high-efficiency boilers (or other heating systems) ECO4

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• Heating controls (like smart thermostats, radiator valves) 

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• Insulation: cavity wall, loft, solid wall, underfloor etc. 

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• Low-carbon technologies (in some cases) 

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4. How It Works (Application Process)

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• Eligibility check — You provide basic info; scheme providers assess your eligibility. 

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• Home survey — A certified surveyor visits to evaluate your heating system, insulation status, and what measures are needed. 

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• Installation — If approved, the upgrades are fully installed: new boiler, insulation, controls, etc.

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• Savings — After installation, you benefit from reduced energy bills, lower emissions, and a warmer home.

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5. Costs

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• For qualifying households, there’s no upfront cost: the grant covers the full cost of the work (or at least a very large portion). 

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• There are no repayments — it’s a non-repayable grant. 

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6. Timeframe

The ECO4 scheme is currently running until March 2026.