What is ECO4?
An Overview of the ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme, launched in 2022, is part of the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation programme, providing funding to help improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty in homes across Wales and England. Through ECO4, homeowners and private tenants can access a range of fully funded improvements, including options such as free boiler replacement for pensioners as well as anyone else who is eligible, along with solid wall insulation grants. To see the full list of energy saving measures that apply to the ECO4 Scheme view our ECO4 Scheme Grant Benefits.
The good news is that assessing your ECO4 scheme eligibility has never been easier. Netzero Wizard can quickly check your eligibility for an ECO4 grant and help you take the next step towards energy-saving home improvements.
Let Netzero Wizard Do the Hard Work
The eligibility rules for the ECO4 scheme can sometimes feel complex, but Netzero Wizard simplifies the process with our free eligibility checker. We collect key information to determine your qualification for the ECO4 grant.
Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can play a role in this process, as it determines eligibility and the required minimum improvement (or uplift). The greater the improvement in your EPC rating, the more funding your property may receive under the ECO4 scheme.
Criteria includes but is not limited to:
Receipt of qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credits, or Pension Guarantee Credit.
Total household income of £31,000 or below.
Presence of a household member with a medical condition.
Additionally, the scheme offers flexibility through the Local Authority Flex initiative, providing grant access to households that don’t receive benefits but meet local authority-defined criteria for fuel poverty or low income.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, there are many scenarios where you might still be eligible. That’s why it’s always best to use our free eligibility checker to get a personalised answer.
What Is The ECO4 Flex Shceme?
An Easier Way to Qualify, Even Without Benefits
The ECO4 Flex Scheme is a referral mechanism within the ECO4 scheme that allows local authorities to widen eligibility criteria for energy efficiency improvements. This optional component enables councils to identify and support households that may not qualify through standard ECO4 criteria but are still considered fuel poor or vulnerable to cold.
Key aspects of ECO4 Flex include:
Local authorities must publish a Statement of Intent (SoI) to participate
Four routes for identifying eligible households: income-based, vulnerability criteria, NHS referrals, and bespoke targeting
Focuses on private tenure households (owner-occupied and private rented)
Aims to tailor support to specific local needs and circumstances
Requires local authorities to determine eligibility and produce declarations for identified households
Netzero Wizard can help you check your ECO4 flex scheme eligibility and guide you through every step, so you don’t miss out on the support available to you.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any questions on the ECO4 Scheme Wales & England? See some of the popular questions below.
General Questions
No, participation in ECO4 is entirely voluntary for homeowners. There are no penalties for not applying or not installing the recommended measures.
ECO4 focuses on a whole-house retrofit, meaning multiple energy-saving measures can be installed together to achieve a significant improvement in your home’s energy efficiency, rather than just single upgrades.
Yes, you can apply for ECO4 even if you have benefited from earlier ECO phases. However, eligibility will depend on your current circumstances and whether your property still meets the criteria for further improvements.
Yes, ECO4 Scheme Wales, England and Scotland is available across the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Questions
There is no specific age limit for applicants; eligibility is based on household income, benefits received, and property energy efficiency rather than age.
Yes, tenants can apply, but they will need their landlord’s permission for any work to be carried out. Landlords themselves can also apply on behalf of eligible tenants.
Yes, under the ECO4 Flex route, local authorities can refer households for support if they have a gross annual income under £31,000 or if someone in the home has a health condition made worse by living in a cold property, even if you do not receive qualifying benefits.
Households earning less than £31,000 annually may qualify under certain circumstances. However, income is not taken into account if you are eligible under the health conditions criteria.
Funding Questions
No, you do not need to repay ECO4 funding if you sell your property. The improvements remain with the home for the benefit of future occupants.
There is no strict limit, but the measures installed must achieve the required improvement in your home’s EPC rating. The focus is on delivering the most impactful upgrades within the available funding.
If the cost of recommended improvements is higher than the funding allocated, you may be offered the most cost-effective measures first to avoid having to pay anything. Additional work may require a personal contribution or alternative funding sources.
In some cases, ECO4 funding can be used alongside other government or local authority schemes, but you should check with your installer or local authority to ensure compatibility and avoid duplication of funding.
Prcoess Questions
If your application is declined, we will provide you with feedback to understand why. You may also explore other schemes or reapply if your circumstances or future ECO Scheme funding changes in future.
A qualified assessor surveys your property and recommends suitable measures based on your home’s current energy efficiency and the scheme’s requirements. Netzero Wizard will then discuss options with you.
You will typically need proof of address and proof of benefits or income. Netzero Wizard will advise you on the exact documents required.
If your property cannot achieve the minimum EPC uplift required by Ofgem rules, it may not qualify for funding. However, it’s always best to complete our eligibility checker first so we can get back to you.
