The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the current UK government scheme for home energy efficiency improvements
If you have searched for “what is eco4 scheme gov uk,” you are likely looking for help with home energy costs. The ECO4 scheme is a government-mandated programme that requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements in low-income and fuel-poor homes. It is not a grant you apply for directly from the government, but a legal obligation placed on suppliers.
ECO4 is a £4 billion UK government scheme that funds energy-saving improvements like insulation and heat pumps for low-income homes. It runs until March 2026 and is delivered by energy suppliers, not applied for directly. Check if you qualify.
- ECO4 funds insulation, boiler replacements, and heat pumps for eligible homes.
- You must receive a qualifying means-tested benefit or be referred by your local authority.
- Your home needs an EPC rating of E, F, or G to qualify for ECO4.
- ECO4 runs from 2022 to March 2026 with a £4 billion budget.
- Apply through your energy supplier, not directly to the government.
- The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the current UK government scheme for home energy efficiency improvements
- ECO4 eligibility is determined by your income and the energy efficiency of your home
- Quick numbers key ECO4 grant values, measures, and savings
- The direct answer what is the ECO4 scheme gov uk page
- You cannot apply for ECO4 directly, the process goes through an approved installer or your energy supplier
- How to verify your installer is ECO4-approved check MCS and TrustMark certification
- What happens after March 2026 ECO4 ends and ECO5 is not yet confirmed
The scheme funds measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, boiler replacements, and heat pumps for eligible homeowners and private tenants. ECO4 runs from 2022 to March 2026, with a total budget of £4 billion (DESNZ, 2026). The official name is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, now in its fourth phase. The government sets the rules, while energy suppliers arrange installations through approved contractors.
ECO4 eligibility is determined by your income and the energy efficiency of your home
To qualify for ECO4, you must be a homeowner or a private tenant with landlord permission, living in England, Scotland, or Wales. The primary route to eligibility is receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, or Child Tax Credit with low income.
A secondary route allows local authorities to refer low-income households not on qualifying benefits under the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) scheme. Your home must also have a low energy efficiency rating, typically an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of E, F, or G (GOV.UK guidance on ECO4, 2026). Social housing tenants are generally not eligible, as the scheme targets owner-occupied and private rented homes.
Quick numbers key ECO4 grant values, measures, and savings
The table below shows typical grant values, annual savings, and energy savings for common ECO4 measures. Actual figures vary by property size, existing efficiency, and supplier budget.
| Measure type | Typical grant value (£) | Estimated annual energy saving (£) | Typical kWh saved per year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation | £300–£600 | £50–£100 | 1,000–2,000 kWh | Energy Saving Trust, 2026 |
| Cavity wall insulation | £500–£1,500 | £150–£250 | 3,000–5,000 kWh | Energy Saving Trust, 2026 |
| Boiler replacement (gas, oil, or LPG) | £1,500–£4,000 | £200–£400 | 5,000–10,000 kWh | DESNZ impact assessment, 2026 |
| Air source heat pump | £5,000–£10,000 | £300–£600 | 8,000–12,000 kWh | DESNZ / Energy Saving Trust, 2026 |
The direct answer what is the ECO4 scheme gov uk page
The page at gov.uk/eco4-scheme is the official government landing page for the Energy Company Obligation scheme. It provides the legal framework, eligibility criteria, and a list of participating energy suppliers. The page is maintained by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
It does not accept applications. It is an information hub for homeowners, landlords, and installers seeking to understand the rules and process. If you are looking for the definitive source of scheme rules, this is the page to consult.
You cannot apply for ECO4 directly, the process goes through an approved installer or your energy supplier
To start the process, you must contact an MCS-certified installer or your energy supplier. The installer will conduct a home survey to confirm your eligibility and identify the most suitable measures. The supplier funds the work, and you pay nothing if you meet the criteria.
The scheme covers the full cost of qualifying measures, but you may need to contribute if the work exceeds the supplier’s budget. The installer must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for heat pumps and solar thermal, and with TrustMark for broader insulation and heating work (MCS, 2026; TrustMark, 2026).
How to verify your installer is ECO4-approved check MCS and TrustMark certification
Always check that your installer is on the MCS register for heat pumps, solar thermal, or biomass boilers. For insulation, boilers, and other measures, the installer must be TrustMark registered. Your energy supplier will have a list of their approved installers, which you can request directly.
Do not pay upfront to an installer claiming to be ECO4-approved without verifying their credentials. The government does not publish a single list of approved installers; you must go through the supplier or check MCS and TrustMark registers independently. How to check if an installer is MCS certified
What happens after March 2026 ECO4 ends and ECO5 is not yet confirmed
The current scheme ends on 31 March 2026, as set by the government (DESNZ, 2026). The government has not yet published details of a potential ECO5 scheme. If you are eligible, you should apply before the deadline; after March 2026, no new ECO4 installations will be funded.
The government may announce a successor scheme later in 2026, but no guarantees exist. Homeowners should check gov.uk for updates on the next phase of the Energy Company Obligation. What to do if you miss the ECO4 deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
ECO4 is the fourth phase of the UK government's Energy Company Obligation scheme. It requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements like insulation and heating upgrades in low-income homes. The scheme is managed by Ofgem and runs until March 2026.
You qualify if you are a homeowner or private tenant with landlord permission, living in England, Scotland, or Wales, and receiving a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Housing Benefit. Your home must also have a low energy rating (EPC E, F, or G), as per GOV.UK guidance.
ECO4 covers the full cost of eligible energy-saving measures for qualifying households. This includes loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, boiler replacements, and heat pumps. There is no cap on individual grant values, but total scheme funding is £4 billion, as reported by DESNZ (2026).
You cannot apply directly to the government for ECO4. Instead, contact your energy supplier or a local approved installer to check eligibility. If you are on a qualifying benefit, your supplier will arrange the installation through their contractors.
Yes, ECO4 is still available until March 2026. After that, a new phase (ECO5) is expected to launch. If you think you qualify, you should apply as soon as possible to secure funding before the scheme ends.
