ECO4 Scheme
Government-funded energy efficiency improvements for eligible households
ECO4 Government Grant Scheme
The ECO4 scheme is the fourth and final phase of the government's initiative to increase the energy efficiency performance of properties occupied by low-income residents. The scheme was developed to directly address a growing concern relating to the increasing rates of fuel poverty in the UK, driven by a lack of energy security, rapidly escalating costs amid a cost of living crisis and high inflation rates.
The History of the ECO4 Scheme
The government took the decision that the most effective measure to address fuel poverty would be to reduce the cost of heating, and under the Energy Company Obligation scheme, medium and large energy companies are obligated to fund energy efficiency measures in domestic premises, reducing occupant energy bills and minimising carbon emissions.
The first scheme, ECO1, was launched in July 2013, and after several further phases, ECO4 started in April 2022. This will run until the 31st March 2026, delivering renewable energy systems and solutions to eligible properties in England, Scotland and Wales.
What Funding is Available?
£1Bn worth of ECO4 funding was made available at the outset to install insulation, such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and underfloor insulation, as well as to upgrade or install energy efficient heating systems, such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps.
ECO4 grant funding can also be used to purchase and install photovoltaic solar panels and measures specifically designed to improve heat retention, such as triple glazed windows, in instances where this is deemed an appropriate solution by an authorised installer.
Who is Eligible for ECO4 Grant Funding?
Ofgem estimated at the outset of the ECO4 scheme that 3.5 million homes would be eligible for grant funding. Eligibility criteria for this scheme are reasonably loose, with households from England, Wales and Scotland all entitled to apply, provided that their property has a current Energy Performance Certificate of D or below and that they are on a low income.
For the purposes of ECO4, a low income has not been defined with any monetary value, however the scheme requires that applicants either be in receipt of specified eligible benefits of the Help to Heat Group, or are living in social housing.
Eligible benefits include child benefit, income support, universal credit and housing benefit, among others. The reason that the household income is assessed during the application process is to ensure that those in greatest need of financial support are able to receive it and feel the benefit in terms of cost savings and increased comfort in the home.
Alternatives to ECO4
There are a number of government grant schemes running at present, all of which are designed to implement energy efficiency improvements in poor performing properties occupied by individuals and families on low incomes.
Enviro-Energy are authorised installers for the Home Upgrade Grant 2, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Eligibility criteria for each of these schemes are broadly equivalent, though our team can advise you as to which is best suited to your individual needs on a case-by-case basis.
Will there be an ECO5 scheme?
It is unlikely that the Energy Company Obligation will be dropped entirely in the near future, however, with a General Election expected to happen later in 2024, anything is possible. At present, we anticipate that ECO5 will replace ECO4 in April 2026, and that it will focus on implementing innovative renewable energy solutions to deliver household resilience, to promote a circular economy and to prioritise environmental sustainability.
Enviro-Energy Involvement
Enviro-Energy is proud to be an authorised installer for the ECO4 scheme, and we would certainly bid for an ECO5 contract should one become available. We are driven by our desire to help local residents, and to this end, we are always here to support eligible applicants in Liverpool and Manchester as well as the surrounding areas.
If you need further information about this or any other government funding scheme for which we are an authorised installer, would like to discuss your potential eligibility or would like to book a home assessment visit from one of our expert installers, please contact us today or apply now.
Apply for ECO4 Scheme
Complete the form below to check your eligibility for the ECO4 scheme. Please select which benefits you are currently receiving.
What Our Customers Say
"My energy bills were so high until I found out about a boiler grant. The local installation company made the process quick and easy and I could not be happier with my new boiler. I've saved a significant amount!"
Mrs Davis, Fazakerley
"The whole process took just a few weeks. After applying, a local company contacted me within a few minutes to check my details and book my survey. In less than a fortnight my new boiler was installed."
Mr Woods, Anfield
"The engineers that fitted the new boiler were friendly and professional. Our heating system is now running efficiently and has already provided us with savings."
J. Hughes, West Derby
"We were unable to fund purchasing a new boiler ourselves, so we are so grateful to Enviro-Energy. Our bills are now much more affordable – I would highly recommend checking if you are eligible for this scheme."
K. James, Halewood
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Ready to Apply for ECO4 Funding?
Contact us today to find out if you're eligible for the ECO4 scheme and start saving on your energy bills.