The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
In 2013, a scheme was introduced to the public called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). The goal of this scheme was to lower national carbon emissions to improve the environment and decided to do so by targeting the energy loss happening in a lot of British homes. By improving energy efficiency within the homes through various installations, not only will Britons experience better heating, but they will save money. Ten years later, we have started with its fourth rendition: ECO4.
ECO4 is the fourth and final phase of the Government's Energy Company Obligation. It started in August 2022 and it is due to continue until 31 March 2026. The Government has made £4 billion of funding available to this stage of the scheme and a number of changes were made to the eligibility criteria
What does ECO consist of?
ECO4 is a set of grants available to homes that don’t have the income to fix their inefficient heating systems. These grants consist of three overall categories: Solar Panels, Heat Pumps and Insulation. According to recent figures, more than 3.1 million measures have been fitted in over 2.3 million homes.
Landlords and tenants that claim one or more benefits are eligible to sign up to this scheme that could potentially give them a free grant that will save hundreds. Not only will this negate energy loss and lead to warmer, better functioning homes, but it will increase the value tenfold.
Full list of eligible benefits for ECO4:
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credits
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit Savings Credit
Where can I get more information?
There are a number of suppliers offering assistance with obtaining grants. The website links below to some of the companies that provide further information and an eligibility check*:
https://www.warmfrontltd.com/grants/eco4/
*We do not endorse any of the suppliers listed above. They are merely examples of where further information can be obtained from.