ECO4 Grant Scheme Eligibility:
Everything You Need to Know
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) grant scheme is a UK government initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty. By focusing on improving the energy efficiency of low-income and vulnerable households, this scheme offers vital support to those who need it most. Here’s an in-depth look at eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
What is the ECO4 Grant Scheme?
The ECO4 scheme is the latest phase of the UK government’s effort to promote energy efficiency. It builds on previous phases of the Energy Company Obligation programme and places a strong emphasis on upgrading the energy performance of homes occupied by vulnerable and low-income households. The scheme not only helps reduce energy bills but also contributes to the UK’s broader goal of lowering carbon emissions.
Who is Eligible for the ECO4 Grant Scheme?
Eligibility for the ECO4 grant scheme is primarily based on financial and vulnerability criteria. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Benefits That Qualify for ECO4
Households receiving the following benefits may be eligible:
Unfortunately, these benefits are not eligible for the ECO4 grant:
Other Qualifying Criteria
Additionally, certain households may qualify based on the following criteria:
- Low Income and Vulnerable Household Criteria: This includes those with a low income and vulnerabilities related to health, age, or other risk factors.
- Local Authority Flexible Eligibility: Some local authorities can identify households that may benefit from the scheme, even if they do not receive the above benefits.
The ECO4 grant scheme eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that support is directed towards those who need it most, in terms of improving their home’s energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.
What Else Affects Eligibility?
The scheme typically targets homes that are less energy-efficient and therefore have a lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, usually D, E, F, or G. This also includes the efficiency of your current boiler or heating system. However, if your EPC certificate is above a D but the certificate is old or out of date, you may still qualify as standards may have changed since your last EPC rating was carried out. Therefore, get in touch with us for expert advice.
Means Tested Benefit
Someone living in your home is in receipt of a means tested benefit, such as Universal Credit, ESA etc or your household income is below £31k, or you suffer with ill health
EPC Rating D,E,F or G
If you’re not familiar with your Energy performance rating (EPC).
We can check this online for you. Over 41% of homes in the UK are rated ‘D’ or
below.
Inefficient Boiler
Non-condensing boilers are classified as inefficient and most boilers with hot water cylinders too. As well as some older model Combi boilers.
What Measures Will Be Installed Upon A Successful ECO4 Grant Application?
The measures received under ECO4 vary depending on property type, fuel source, and ownership status, ensuring tailored support for different household circumstances.
Off-Gas Properties
For off-gas properties, which are not connected to the mains gas network, ECO4 provides a range of low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions. These homes often rely on more expensive or carbon-intensive fuels such as oil, LPG, or electric heating. Under ECO4, eligible households may receive measures such as air source heat pumps, insulation (including solid wall, cavity wall, loft, and underfloor insulation), and solar panels. The aim is to reduce reliance on costly fuels while improving thermal comfort and cutting carbon emissions. Off-gas properties typically benefit greatly from fabric-first approaches, ensuring that heat loss is minimised before heating system upgrades are installed.
On-Gas Properties
For properties connected to the mains gas network, ECO4 offers a slightly different suite of measures, focusing heavily on improving the energy efficiency of existing gas heating systems alongside fabric improvements. Boiler replacements with energy-efficient models, and a strong emphasis on insulation measures such as cavity wall, loft, and floor insulation to prevent heat loss. In some cases, a hybrid renewable system may be installed and/or smart heating controls. The focus is on achieving the highest possible improvement in the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating while reducing household energy bills and carbon emissions.
Private Tenants and Homeowners
ECO4 provides support to both private tenants and homeowners, but the approach differs slightly depending on tenure. Private tenants, require landlord consent for measures to be installed but under proposed government regulations, private rental properties with an EPC rating below a C will likely need to meet this standard by 2030. Therefore, landlords have a unique opportunity to get ahead of these legal requirements by taking advantage of this scheme to fund this work, at no cost to them or their tenant. This means landlords can improve their properties for free, benefiting tenants with lower bills and warmer homes while avoiding future compliance costs. Both groups are eligible for measures such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable technologies where appropriate.
Which Boilers Qualify for Replacement Under The ECO4 Scheme?
Under the ECO4 scheme, boiler eligibility is determined by efficiency ratings. Boilers with an efficiency rating below 86.7% may qualify under the scheme. Find out your current boiler rating by searching our boiler table below to check the efficiency rating of your boiler.
Why Apply Now?
By acting now, eligible households and landlords can access these improvements at no cost, thanks to the government-backed funding. This is a significant opportunity to upgrade your property and for landlords to avoid future compliance costs when energy efficiency standards become mandatory.
How to Check Your Eligibility
1. Enter your postcode using the eligibility checker.
2. Contact us at 0151 559 1563 for personalised advice tailored to your circumstances.
3. Refer to the ECO4 Ofgem guidance to find out more about the government-backed ECO4 grant scheme
Why Choose Us?
We are committed to ensuring that households benefit from the ECO4 scheme with minimal hassle.
Here’s why you can trust us:
• Trustmark Government Endorsed
• NICEIC Approved Contractor
• RECC Approved
• MCS Certified
• Gas Safe Registered
• Trading Standards Compliant
Common Questions About ECO4 Eligibility
Yes, but private renters will need permission from their landlords to proceed with the improvements.
Take the first step today and make your home greener, warmer, and cheaper to run with the ECO4 grant scheme!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your home.
Call us today or start your application online! Click the following links to learn more about the evolution and impact of ECO4 or learn more about the potential future of ECO (ECO5).