Whether you’re a private homeowner or a landlord, the ECO4 scheme is here to help you transition your home towards greener energy. It helps provide the funding you need to make the transition affordably and effectively.
What Is ECO4?
The Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4) is a UK government initiative to help people transition away from traditional energy sources. This scheme is also meant to help combat the cost of living crisis. By reducing the population’s dependency on traditional fuels, this scheme is meant to undercut fuel poverty by removing the need for these fuels; either altogether or majoritively.
This initiative is not a grant scheme. Rather, funding is provided under the scheme via energy companies, with management by Ofgem. You can check to see if your energy supplier is among those contracted to provide support by checking Ofgem’s list of ECO supplier contact details. Your energy provider doesn’t need to be the one to provide you with support as it can be any of the contracted providers.
The scheme commenced on the 1st of April 2022 and runs until March 2026.
Who Is ECO4 For?
ECO4 specifically targets low-income households that would benefit from green energy solutions, but may not have the funding for its installation. Special consideration is also given to households with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or lower. This is because these properties will see the greatest gains, both in financial and ecological performance.
Are You Eligible For ECO4 Funding?
Those most eligible are low-income households, with a priority placed on properties that grade D or lower on their EPC.
Private Eligibility
If you are in private housing, you may be entitled to support if you are receiving any of the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefit
- Housing Benefits
Landlord Eligibility
In order for your leased property to meet the requirements for support, you must be graded D or lower on your EPC. The financial qualifiers are the same as above but applied to your tenants. If they would qualify for support if they owned your property themselves, then you may use that to apply for support to upgrade your property’s energy efficiency.
What Work Is Funded Under ECO4?
The work funded includes:
- Solar panels
- Underfloor heating
- Insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- First-time central heating
- Renewable heating – unless it is replacing pre-existing renewable heating
- District heating connection
- And other innovation measures (IMs)
How To Apply For ECO4 Funding
If you are looking to apply for ECO4 funding, then begin by contacting one of the obligated Eco suppliers. From there you can begin the process to check whether you are eligible and, if so, for how much support.
For more information on the application process and how to smooth it out, check out Ofgem’s Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 Local Authority Administration Guidance.
After a successful application, you will need to contact a contractor certified under the ECO4 scheme.
Who Is Certified To Install An ECO4 Funded Green Installation?
Your installer must be a Trustmark registered business or equivalent, which we are. Contact us for efficient, effective, and high-quality installations.
Contact Us
If you are looking to make your home more financially and ecologically sustainable without breaking the bank, contact us. We are a Trustmark-registered company that specialises in green energy installations. Our experienced and highly qualified team strives to provide you with the very best in energy efficiency.
Contact us today to find out more about ECO4, its application process, and how you can make the most of this useful scheme.