The ECO 4 grants and funding scheme is designed to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. It requires major energy suppliers to fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in British homes. The scheme, started in April 2022 and is set to run until March 2026 and aims to make homes more energy-efficient, warmer, and cheaper to heat.
ECO 4 Grants & ECO 4 Funding is an innovative scheme mandated by the UK government, compelling energy suppliers to support and finance energy-saving measures in qualifying homes across the country.
This initiative is particularly focused on helping low-income and vulnerable households enhance their energy efficiency through various improvements, from insulation upgrades to the installation of advanced heating systems.
ECO 4 Funding is crafted with the dual aim of supporting those most in need and making a tangible impact on environmental sustainability. Whether you own your home or rent, if you’re facing high energy costs or living in a property that’s not as warm or as green as it could be, ECO 4 Funding is here to help.
Improve the energy efficiency of homes across the UK, particularly those in bands D-G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which are the least energy efficient.
Reduce household carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Address fuel poverty by making energy bills more affordable for vulnerable households.
Key points about ECO 4 Grants and funding:
Funding amount: £4 billion.
Program duration: Runs until March 31st, 2026.
Focus: ECO 4 targets a “whole house retrofit approach” meaning it aims to comprehensively improve the energy efficiency of eligible homes, rather than focusing on individual measures.
Who can apply: Homeowners or tenants in qualifying properties can benefit from the scheme.
The ECO 4 grants scheme, evolving from its predecessors, continues to focus on enhancing the energy efficiency of homes across the UK, especially aiding low-income and vulnerable households.
Under ECO 4, a range of measures are funded to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and make homes warmer and more comfortable. Here’s an overview of the types of improvements that can be funded under the scheme:
Loft Insulation: To reduce heat loss through the roof, making homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Cavity Wall Insulation: To fill the gap between the external walls, significantly reducing heat loss.
Solid Wall Insulation: For homes without cavity walls, improving warmth and reducing energy bills.
Underfloor Insulation: To prevent heat loss through floors, enhancing overall thermal comfort.
Roof Insulation: Specifically targeting flat roofs or rooms in roofs to reduce heat loss.
Boiler Upgrade or Replacement: Funding may cover more efficient boilers or the repair of existing ones to enhance efficiency and safety.
Renewable Heating Systems: Installation of systems like air source heat pumps which use renewable energy sources to heat the home.
Solar PV Panels: Generating electricity from sunlight, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially lowering electricity bills.
Battery Storage Systems: To store electricity generated by solar panels or off-peak electricity from the grid, optimising energy use.
The scheme may also cover secondary measures that further enhance energy efficiency and household comfort, such as:
Heating Controls and Insulation: Smart thermostats, radiator valves, and better heating controls to reduce waste.
Income and Benefits-Based Criteria
Households receiving certain government benefits may automatically qualify for ECO 4 funding. This includes, but is not limited to:
Universal Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Housing Benefit.
Low-Income Households
Households not on specific benefits but falling within certain low-income thresholds may also qualify. This often includes a detailed assessment of household income compared to energy costs, aimed at identifying fuel poverty or vulnerability to cold-related health issues.
Property Eligibility
The scheme typically targets properties that are deemed to be inefficient in terms of energy use. This can include homes with:
Poor insulation, Old or inefficient heating systems, A low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, usually E, F, or G
Vulnerable and Fuel-Poor Households
Special consideration is given to households that are particularly vulnerable. This might include:
Elderly residents, Families with young children, Individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, Those at particular risk of fuel poverty.
Area-Based Eligibility
In some cases, eligibility may extend to residents of certain areas identified by local authorities as being in particular need of energy efficiency improvements. This approach allows for targeted support in communities most affected by fuel poverty and inefficient housing.
The ECO 4 Grants scheme, aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of homes while supporting low-income and vulnerable households in the UK, has specific eligibility criteria designed to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. While the exact eligibility criteria can vary slightly depending on the specific details of the scheme at any given time, here’s a general outline of who might qualify for assistance under ECO 4:
In order to benefit from ECO you must own your own home or have the permission of your landlord, including if your property is owned by a social housing provider or management company.
As ECO is not a grant scheme, different companies or installers may provide different levels or types of support towards the installation of energy efficiency or heating measures.
Euro Energy Group will always strive to offer the maximum level of support you’re entitled to.
It is up to the energy companies to determine which measures they choose to fund, the level of funding they provide and the installer they choose to work with.
The level of funding will depend on the measure type and a number of other factors. In some cases, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of the installation, our team can advise you further once you complete our online application.
No. Any obligated supplier can deliver measures to any domestic premises in England, Wales and Scotland, provided the eligibility criteria are met.
All installers must be TrustMark registered businesses, or equivalent in order to deliver measures under ECO. If a company approaches you and claims to be an installer, always ask to see their credentials. You should expect to see the following certification to prove they are registered with a consumer protection body:
Euro Energy Group can provide all documentation and certification should you wish to see it.
For a boiler replacement to be eligible, immediately prior to the installation the premises must have a boiler, which has broken down and cannot be economically repaired. The following measures can be installed outside of the broken heating system cap:
Fast & Easy Eligibility Check! Complete our online form in minutes and see what energy-saving options you qualify for.
Even if you don’t qualify for funding, please get in touch with us as our expertise and competitive quotes can still help you achieve energy savings and cost reduction.