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 However, if your EPC certificate is above a D but the certificate is old or out of date, you may still qualify as standards may have changed since your last EPC rating was carried out.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.
Applicants must typically reside in the UK and own or rent the property being upgraded. Private tenants may need landlord permission to proceed.
– Homeowners and private tenants can both be eligible, although the requirements and support available can vary slightly.
– Landlords of eligible tenants may also apply for the grant to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
– Energy-saving measures for social/council housing are dealt with through the relevant local council.
The type of energy efficiency measures needed in your home may also impact your eligibility.
ECO4 focuses on measures such as:
– Insulation (e.g., loft, cavity wall, or internal wall insulation)
– Heating improvements (e.g., boiler upgrades, heating controls, or renewable heating systems)
– Solar panels and other renewable energy technologies
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, and loft 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
- Enter your postcode using the eligibility checker.
- Contact us at 0151 559 1563 for personalised advice tailored to your circumstances.
- 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.
If your EPC is outdated, get in touch. Standards may have changed since the rating was issued, meaning your property might still qualify.
Yes, for eligible households the upgrades are fully funded by the scheme, making it a no-cost solution for improving energy efficiency.
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) grants, which are part of the UK’s energy efficiency scheme, do not need to be paid back by the recipients. These grants are designed to help improve the energy efficiency of homes, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households, by funding measures such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and other energy-saving improvements.
The funding for ECO4 grants comes from the energy suppliers, who are obligated to provide financial support as part of their regulatory requirements. Therefore, eligible homeowners and tenants who receive ECO4 grants benefit from these energy efficiency improvements at no direct cost to themselves, and there is no requirement to repay the grant.
This is a legitimate UK government initiative which aims to tackle fuel poverty, rising energy and heating costs, and climate change. The scheme is regulated by Ofgem.
We are sorry if you do not currently qualify for an ECO4 grant. We aim to help as many people as possible, however in all instances we must comply with the ECO4 scheme’s eligibility criteria set out by Ofgem.
ECO is an obligation placed on energy companies (including the likes of British Gas, Scottish Power, E.ON and EDF) to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises, it is these companies who fund the scheme, backed by the UK government.
There are multiple eligibility requirements and routes for the ECO4 grant scheme. People may also qualify if suffering from severe or long-term ill-health or if combined household income is below £31k, even if not in receipt of an income-based benefit.
Private landlords must agree to the necessary work, but under proposed government regulations, private rental properties with an EPC rating below a C will likely need to meet this standard by 2030. These changes aim to make homes warmer and more energy-efficient for tenants. Therefore, landlords have a unique opportunity to get ahead of these legal requirements by taking advantage of this scheme to fund this work now, 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. For more details, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-upgrade-revolution-as-renters-set-for-warmer-homes-and-cheaper-bills
The scheme is for private tenants and homeowners. Unfortunately, we are unable to help with rented council housing or housing association, as these properties are managed through the local council or housing association. Therefore, we would advise getting in touch with them to see what help is available.
Fairway Energy covers most of England and Wales.
ECO4 scheme is a whole-house assessment to improve the energy efficiency of the property. Solar panels are usually installed on eligible off-gas properties to supplement the cost of running a heat pump and lower bills, along with insulation measures. Mains gas eligible properties usually receive new energy-efficient boilers, smart heating controls, and insulation measures to improve the property’s EPC rating and help lower bills.ouse assessment to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
Both private renters and homeowners are welcome to apply, however the measures that rented properties qualify for are limited in comparison to owned properties.
Cavity wall or solid wall determines what measures can be implemented, rather than a requirement for eligibility. The main requirement for the property is to achieve two banding improvement in the energy performance rating.
Yes, it is true that properties need an EPC rating of D or below to qualify, along with other qualifying criteria.
Properties without a mains gas supply may be eligible for renewable measures such as solar panels and heat pumps, rather than a new energy efficient boiler, providing that the occupant and property meet the eligibility criteria.
For a property to be eligible for an ECO4 grant, it needs to meet specific criteria, one of which is related to its status as a residential dwelling. This includes being subject to council tax and therefore, vehicles or mobile homes are not eligible.
Unfortunately, Park Homes are not eligible.
The grant scheme focuses on improving energy efficiency through approved insulation and heating measures. Unfortunately, park homes are not typically suited for the insulation measures covered under this scheme due to their construction and material limitations. Park homes do not meet the criteria for the installation of standard insulation systems, such as cavity wall insulation or loft insulation, which are required for funding.
Under the ECO4 scheme, boiler eligibility is determined by efficiency ratings rather than the specific type of boiler. Condensing boilers with an efficiency rating below 86.7% may qualify under the scheme.
Currently, Fairway Energy only provides services under the ECO4 and GBIS grant schemes. Fairway Energy do not provide funding or services for any of the following schemes:
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
• Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
• Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
• Nest Scheme (Wales)
• Warmer Homes Scotland
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment
For more details on these schemes please refer to the gov.uk website.
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).