ECO4 Scheme is a new phase of the government project, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), aimed at assisting homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Eligible and low-income homeowners who wish to implement energy-saving measures in their homes can receive financial support through this program. The following article will provide you with all the details you need to know about the ECO4 plan. A synopsis of the program will be provided, together with an explanation of the prerequisites and the financial aid application procedure. 

The government has extended the ECO grant for four years to continue until March 2026 as part of its Sustainable Warmth Strategy.

This grant's primary goal is to assist low-income households unable to improve their houses and heating systems.

By doing so, the government can assist those most in need to get their homes powered. And help the nation achieve its goal of net zero by 2050.

Learn everything you need to know about ECO4 in the sections that follow. Including what the program covers, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What does ECO4 cover?

Under the ECO4 Scheme, you can get different home improvements depending on your chosen energy provider.

Examine the primary areas of interest listed below to understand the assistance you can receive with the ECO4 grant.

Insulating homes:

The ECO4 program adopts a "fabric-first" strategy, emphasising building improvements before the installation of new heating systems.

Installing loft, roof, and exterior-facing cavity wall insulation is a must for any property, with an efficiency rating of 'D' or lower, even before upgrading any current heating systems.

A particular focus on insulating solid walls can be seen in the government's ECO4 report, which aims to complete maximum solid wall insulation installations annually.

Repairing boilers:

The phrase "waste not, want not" is probably familiar to all of us. The proverb, however, also holds for our domestic appliances.

"To date, we have seen no boiler or electric storage heater repairs" under the program, according to the ministry. Not only are efficient gas boilers expected to last 12 years, but they are being replaced instead of repaired after only three to eight years. 

This is the reason ECO4 will provide incentives for fixing efficient heating systems if feasible. The Broken Heating Cap allows us to replace broken heating systems beyond repair, which takes us to our next issue. We have a page on boiler repair prices where you can learn more about how much this would cost without ECO4.

Installing greener heating systems

ECO4 aims to replace outdated, worn-out boilers with more environmentally friendly models.

The ECO3 was not designed to incorporate coal-fueled heating systems to guarantee that the country would reach its net zero by 2050 target. ECO4 will enforce this restriction and add gas-powered heating systems to the list of prohibited commodities.

The government will encourage individuals to switch out their boilers for biomass and heat pump boilers, which are greener options.

Who is eligible for the ECO4 Scheme?

The government's ECO4 program targets low-income and vulnerable households to assist the least energy-efficient homes in the nation.

Companies must evaluate if an applicant receives any of the following benefits to assess whether they qualify for the ECO4 program: 

• Homeowners or private tenants

• Properties with an EPC rating of lower D, E, F, & G.

• Households with low incomes who receive any of the specific benefits, including:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Housing Benefit

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Income Support (IS)

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)

  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • Universal Credit (UC)

  • Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

  • Child Benefit*

Furthermore, the government will guarantee that ECO4 is available to all beneficiaries of Department of Work and Pension benefits, irrespective of their receiving of Universal Credit.

This new grant phase will help inefficient social and private rented housing (if the landlord authorises it). But the primary focus will be on homeowners' or private tenants' dwellings.

How to apply for ECO4?

Consider ECO4 to be beneficial. To take advantage of it, all you have to do is contact one of the energy providers.

After that, a phone assessment will be conducted with you, during which you will be asked questions on various topics. Like your income, whether you receive any benefits, and the energy efficiency rating of your property.

Once that day has been set, the installer will come to your house to verify if it qualifies for the grant.

Summary:

The UK government and energy providers sponsor the ECO4 Scheme, which aims to increase the energy efficiency of households. They take these actions to conserve energy and aid the most vulnerable people. And safeguard the environment, and achieve the ultimate objective of net zero emissions by 2050. They ensure that every home in the UK is more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and warmer by supporting ECO4. 

Why not apply immediately if you believe you qualify for the ECO scheme? Launch the process by contacting one of the energy providers on the list.