What is the ECO4 Funding Scheme?
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) scheme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help people improve how efficiently their homes use energy. Instead of homeowners shouldering the full cost of upgrades, large energy suppliers fund practical improvements that reduce energy usage, lower fuel bills and cut carbon emissions across the country
How ECO4 Works
Under the ECO4 scheme:
1. Energy companies are legally required to invest in home upgrades that improve energy performance. GOV.UK
2. You or your installer apply on your behalf — there’s no direct application fee. ECO4
3. Your home gets a professional assessment to identify the best energy-saving measures.
4. If eligible, the funded improvements are installed by accredited professionals — often at no cost to you. ECO4
Because the funding comes from energy companies based on government obligations, ECO4 support doesn’t count as a traditional loan or grant you have to repay.
Who Can Access ECO4 Funding?
The scheme prioritises households that:
Are on lower incomes or receive qualifying state benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and others). Energy Advice Helpline+1
Live in properties with a lower energy efficiency rating (typically D, E, F or G on an EPC).
Even if you don’t receive specific benefits, you may still qualify through ECO4 Flexibility (Flex) — where local authorities or energy suppliers can nominate households based on income, health impact or fuel poverty risk. ECO4
This helps broaden access to support beyond the most traditional eligibility pathways. ECO4
What Home Improvements Are Covered?
ECO4 can fund a range of energy-saving measures, including:
– Insulation
– Loft and roof insulation
– Cavity or solid wall insulation
– Floor insulation
All designed to reduce heat loss and keep homes warmer with less energy.
Heating System Upgrades
– More efficient boilers
– Air source heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems
– Improving heating efficiency can significantly lower fuel bills.
Solar Panels & Renewable Solutions
Under ECO4, properties can receive solar PV systems that generate electricity and reduce reliance on grid energy, sometimes without any upfront cost.
All measures are installed by qualified and accredited installers to ensure quality and compliance.
Benefits of ECO4 Funding
Lower Energy Bills
Upgrades that cut heat loss and improve efficiency reduce how much energy you use — leading to lower monthly bills
Reduced Carbon Footprint
By improving insulation or switching to greener heating and energy sources, your home emits less carbon, helping the UK reach net-zero climate goals.
Improved Comfort
Better insulation, HVAC upgrades and modern heating systems create warmer, healthier living environments, especially in older or draughty homes.
No (or very low) up-front costs
Most households eligible for ECO4 don’t pay for the measures themselves — funding from energy suppliers covers the cost.
How to Find Out if You’re Eligible
The easiest way to find out if you are eligible is to:
1. Request an initial assessment from our team.
2. Check your property’s EPC rating. GOV.UK
3. Provide details of any benefits or income levels if asked, so your adviser can verify your qualification under ECO4 Flex or standard criteria.
The Energy Reduction Team will handle most of the paperwork — so the process is as simple and stress-free as possible.
Apply now
The ECO4 programme is currently scheduled to run until March 2026, after which future schemes or replacements are expected to continue the government’s support for home energy efficiency..