The ECO4 scheme will run until 31 March 2026, with applications accepted up to that date and installations completed by 30 June 2026 (GOV.UK, 2026). This is the final phase of the Energy Company Obligation, so homeowners must act before the deadline to secure funded energy-efficiency improvements.
The scheme’s end date applies to all households, but eligibility depends on your property type and income. ECO4 targets low-income and vulnerable homes, particularly those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. If you qualify, you can receive fully funded measures like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or a new boiler. The scheme does not cover homes with an EPC rating of A, B, or C, and it excludes households not on qualifying benefits or with a low income.
ECO4 ends on 31 March 2026
Ofgem confirms that ECO4 obligations must be fully delivered by 31 March 2026, with a grace period for installations until 30 June 2026 (Ofgem, 2026). After this date, no new applications can be made. The scheme has no extensions confirmed, so homeowners should apply as early as possible to avoid missing out. Energy suppliers are already winding down their ECO4 programmes, so delays in assessments or installations could leave you without funding.
Installations must finish by 30 June 2026
Even if you apply before 31 March 2026, your installation must be completed by 30 June 2026 (MCS Certified, 2026). This means all work, including surveys, approvals, and fitting, must be done within that window. If you delay, your application may be cancelled. Energy suppliers prioritise projects that can be finished on time, so early booking is essential. The deadline applies to all measures, including insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable technologies like heat pumps.
Future schemes may replace ECO4
GOV.UK indicates that a successor scheme, likely called ECO5, is under consultation and expected to launch after ECO4 ends (GOV.UK, 2026). Details are not finalised, but it will likely target similar low-income households. However, there may be a gap between schemes, so relying on ECO4 now is safer. The Energy Saving Trust advises homeowners to check eligibility immediately and contact their energy supplier or a TrustMark-registered installer (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with an EPC rating of E could receive fully funded cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and a new A-rated gas boiler through ECO4, saving roughly £580 per year on energy bills. The homeowner qualifies because their household income is under £31,000 and they receive Pension Credit. Without ECO4, the total cost of these measures would be around £8,200, but the scheme covers everything. The ECO4 scheme must have applications submitted by 31 March 2026 and installations completed by 30 June 2026. After these dates, no funding is available. The 0% VAT on energy-saving materials also applies until March 2027, but the grant itself ends earlier. Acting now avoids the risk of suppliers closing their programmes early due to high demand.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £0 |
| Yearly savings | £580 |
| Payback period | Immediate |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £14,500 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming ECO4 will be extended or replaced with a similar scheme. This misunderstanding leads to missed deadlines and lost funding. Here are the three biggest pitfalls
- Believing there will be an ECO5 The government has not confirmed any successor scheme, so ECO4 is the last chance for fully funded home energy upgrades. Waiting for ECO5 means you could lose £8,000–£12,000 in free insulation and heating improvements.
- Thinking you can apply after March 2026 Some homeowners delay applications, assuming installations can begin later. In reality, all applications must be submitted by 31 March 2026 and installations finished by 30 June 2026, with no grace period for late submissions.
- Assuming all energy suppliers offer the same deadlines Many suppliers stop accepting new ECO4 applications months before the official deadline to manage their workloads. Delaying your application by even a few weeks could mean your chosen supplier has closed its programme entirely.
Quick reference
- ECO4 applications must be submitted by 31 March 2026 and installations completed by 30 June 2026.
- No successor scheme has been confirmed by the government, making ECO4 the final phase of the Energy Company Obligation.
- To qualify, your household must have an income under £31,000 or receive specific benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
- ECO4 covers homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G but excludes properties already rated A, B, or C.
- Energy suppliers often close their ECO4 programmes early, so applying by mid-2025 is strongly recommended to secure funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can apply until 31 March 2026. Ofgem confirms no new applications after this date.
No new applications are accepted after 31 March 2026. Installations must be completed by 30 June 2026.
No confirmed extensions exist for ECO4. Energy Saving Trust advises applying before the current deadline.
