If you’re a UK homeowner and looking to cut energy costs and make your home more energy efficient the ECO4 scheme may be what you’re looking for.
At SolarTherm UK, we’re committed to making solar energy more accessible – including making government-backed schemes like ECO4 clearer and easier to understand.
What is ECO4?
ECO4 stands for the Energy Company Obligation (Phase 4). It is a government backed scheme that makes energy suppliers responsible for helping homeowners across the UK make their properties more energy efficient and reduce fuel poverty. The scheme prioritises vulnerable, low income households and those in fuel poverty, ensuring the help goes to those who need it most – people with an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of E, F or G.
While it is a government backed scheme, it is down to the energy providers to decide which projects they choose to fund, the amount of funding they provide and the installers that they use. ECO4 encourages the installation of various energy efficient measures such as improved insulation, first time central heating, renewable energy sources (such as solar panels) and installation of heat pumps. It aims to increase the EPC rating from a D or E to a minimum of a C and from a F or G to a minimum of a D.
What Improvements Does ECO4 Cover?
The scheme can fund a wide variety of energy efficiency upgrades including
- Insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall and underfloor)
- Heating system upgrades (including air source heat pumps)
- Solar panel installation
- Smart heating controls
- Window and door upgrades (single to double glazing)
Who is Eligible for ECO4?
ECO4 is targeted at low-income and vulnerable households. You may qualify if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Low income – typically under £31,000 per year
- Receive certain government benefits – Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
- You home is energy inefficient with an EPC rating of D or below
- You are a private tenant, council/social tenant or homeowner
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility on a supplier website or with Ofgem.
How do I apply for ECO4 Funding?
If you qualify for ECO4 funding, you can apply direct from one of the suppliers supporting it. This doesn’t have to be your supplier, it can be any of the list published on Ofgem’s website. They will then assess if you qualify under their terms and conditions and organise a site survey.
How SolarTherm UK Can Help
While SolarTherm UK cannot directly help you with your application for ECO4 help, we can assist you if you don’t qualify for help under ECO4.
If you are struggling with high energy bills or want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, contact SolarTherm UK for a free no-obligation quote and design, tailored for your property and future energy needs.
Even if you don’t qualify for ECO4, there is still an affordable option for you.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
