Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants

Energy Company Obligation – ECO4

As of August 2022, we’re in the 4th phase of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation – ECO4. It’s due to continue until 31 March 2026.

The scheme aims to provide free energy efficiency measures for vulnerable households in order to improve the energy efficiency and save on heating their home.

Measures Funded Under ECO4

The measures that are available for funding under ECO4 grants include the following:

Insulation: External wall insulation EWI, cavity wall insulation CWI, internal wall insulation IWI, loft insulation, loft / roof insulation and under-floor insulation.

Heating Improvements: Air source heat pumps, boiler / heating upgrades, Solar PV

Eligibility

The scheme is aimed at vulnerable households and therefore you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’re in receipt of certain benefits or be a social housing tenant.

If you live in private housing (owned by you or privately rented) to be eligible for ECO4 grant funding you’ll need to be on one 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 Benefit

In addition, if you own your house, it must have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G to be eligible.

If you rent from a private landlord, the house must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G to be eligible. You must also have the property owner’s permission to do the work.

If you live in social housing to be eligible your home must have an EPC rating of E, F or G.

If you’re not sure if your home has an EPC you can check the EPC register >>>

How To  Apply For An ECO4 Grant

There is no single application but, as this is the Energy Company Obligation, the first step would be to make contact with your own energy supplier or another energy company directly. An up to date list of energy companies who are able to provide ECO gratnts is available via the Ofgem website and includes the following:

    • British Gas
    • E (Gas & Electricity) Ltd
    • ON UK Solutions
    • Ecotricity
    • EDF
    • Octopus Energy
    • Outfox the Market
    • OVO
    • Scottish Power
    • Shell Energy (formerly First Utility and formerly Hudson)
    • So Energy (Including ESB Energy)
    • The Utility Warehouse
    • Utilita Energy Ltd

Alternatively contact your local council who will be able to advise you – click here to find your local council >>>