The ECO4 scheme is a fully funded, government-backed initiative designed to help reduce energy bills, enhance home comfort, and lower carbon footprints. Through this grant, eligible households can access a range of energy-saving improvements, including insulation, efficient heating systems, and renewable energy installations. ECO4 provides a valuable opportunity to create a warmer, greener home while cutting costs. Discover how you can benefit from this scheme and start saving today!
40%
Save up to 40% on your energy bills by upgrading your home's efficiency with ECO4.
£800
That 40% off your energy bills could equate to saving you up to an outstanding £800 a year.
£40,000
Receive up to £40,000 worth of energy efficient measures completely free under ECO4.
What is ECO4?
ECO4 is the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, a Government backed energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain that requires large energy suppliers to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
Under this obligation large energy suppliers support the delivery of lifetime savings by installing energy efficiency measures in homes throughout the UK.
These measures include services like the installation of insulation, reducing the amount of heat that escapes your house and lessening the need to ramp up the radiators. Or the replacement of a gas boiler for an air source heat pump, which uses (you guessed it) air to heat your house and significantly lowers your energy bills.
Who meets the criteria. The criteria is much broader than previous versions of the scheme and as many as 4 in 5 homes across England and Wales may be eligible. There are a number of different ways in which people and their homes may qualify for funding and see improvements worth tens of thousands of pounds installed.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria may vary depending on property type and location. The best way to check is to fill out our ECO4 eligibility form below or contact our eligibility team.
The scheme is designed to fund improvements that will make homes more energy-efficient, reduce carbon emissions and help people manage their energy use and their bills. Eligibility for the scheme may be determined by the current energy efficiency rating of the property.
The ECO4 scheme is designed to help those who are in fuel poverty or on a low income. Eligibility is determined by a means-tested assessment of household income, which varies depending on the type of property and location.
Some people may be automatically eligible for the ECO4 scheme if anyone who lives at the property (on a permanent basis) receives one of the following benefits –
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Child Benefits – depends on income threshold* (see thresholds)
- Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Warm Home Discount Rebate
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
It is important to note that eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific measures, area and property type.
Someone living at the property on a permanent basis has a recognised medical conditions that can be made worse by living in cold, inefficient homes could be eligible.
The ECO4 scheme is available for homeowners and private tenants living in certain types of properties, including those with solid walls or hard-to-treat cavity walls, those with inefficient heating systems, and those those in areas that don’t have much choice over how they heat their homes, forcing people to run polluting, inefficient, expensive systems to keep warm.
Our ECO4 installation process involves six steps: eligibility assessment, initial survey, funding approval, installation plan, installation, and a post-installation survey. All work adheres to the latest ECO4 regulations, standards, and any measure-specific exclusions.
The first step in the process is to assess the home owner’s eligibility for the ECO4 scheme. This is done by our administration team checking the property details and information given when you applied.
Once the eligibility of the home occupiers is confirmed, an initial survey of the property is conducted to assess its eligibility for funding and to determine its specific energy efficiency needs. This survey is conducted by a qualified energy assessor who will evaluate the property’s structure, insulation, heating, and other factors that impact energy efficiency.
Based on the results of the initial survey, we will determine the funding amount available for the installation of ECO4 measures. This amount is subject to the latest ECO4 regulations and standards, as well as any exclusions or limitations on certain measures.
With funding approval, we will create an installation plan outlining the specific measures to be installed, an estimated time-line for installation, and to go through any other relevant details or preferences.
Once the installation plan is approved, the ECO4 measures can be installed. This involves working with qualified tradespeople to install insulation, heating systems, Solar PV or other energy efficiency measures, as per the installation plan. The work is subject to the latest installation standards and regulations.
Once the installation is complete, a post-installation survey is conducted to ensure that the measures have been installed correctly and meet the required standards. This survey may be conducted by the energy company or a third-party assessor. You will then receive a care pack containing installation guarantees and relevant information.
What Energy-Efficient Measures are Available Under ECO4?
ECO4 offers a wide range of energy-efficient measures that can be installed in eligible homes, including:
- Insulation: Loft, cavity wall, solid wall, and underfloor insulation can all significantly reduce heat loss, helping homes stay warmer with less energy.
- Heating Systems: The upgrade and installation of an Air Source Heat Pump system, can dramatically reduce energy consumption for heating. Heat pumps are a focus of ECO4 as they represent a low-carbon alternative to traditional boilers.
- Renewable Energy: Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can generate electricity for the home, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills.
- Smart Controls: Installation of smart thermostats and heating controls can optimise energy use, ensuring that heating is only used when necessary and at the most efficient levels.
- Ventilation Upgrades: The upgrade of ventilation is essential to ensure clean air flows through the house and helps to prevent mould.
Free Under ECO4
The following measures are available completely free under the ECO4 Scheme
“ECO4 Scheme”
Raffle and Pietre spent a week at my small cottage putting in wall insulation and plastering and replacing skirting boards. They were extremely conscientious, worked hard despite having to work I cramped conditions. They were thorough and helpful answering all my questions. They were punctual and cleaned up after themselves every day before leaving for the evening. They made a rather stressful experience bearable, as all the living spaces except bathroom and kitchen were being worked on at once, with furniture stacked everywhere. They covered the carpets and put protection over all of my furniture and valuables, which I couldn’t store elsewhere. They were courteous and kind and would recommend them.
How Do i apply for ECO4?
Applying for the ECo4 couldn’t be easier, simply fill in our online form below.
ECO4 Eligibility Form
"*" indicates required fields
Here are some commonly asked questions about the ECO4 scheme. These FAQs provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand eligibility, benefits, and the application process. Whether you’re curious about qualifying criteria, available support, or how to apply, this section covers everything you need to know.
If you can’t find the answer to your question here please done hesitate to get in contact with us
ECO4 is the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, an energy efficiency scheme in UK that requires large energy suppliers to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. Under this obligation large energy suppliers support the delivery of lifetime savings by installing energy efficiency measures in homes throughout the UK.
These measures include services like the installation of insulation, reducing the amount of heat that escapes your house and lessening the need to ramp up the radiators. Or the replacement of a gas boiler for an air source heat pump, which uses (you guessed it) air to heat your house and significantly lowers your energy bills.
OFGEM administer the scheme on behalf of the Department for Energy, Business & Industrial Strategy.
Who meets the criteria. The criteria is much broader than previous versions of the scheme and as many as 4 in 5 homes across England and Wales may be eligible. There are a number of different ways in which people and their homes may qualify for funding and see improvements worth tens of thousands of pounds installed –
some of the different ways can be found below:
-
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
The scheme is designed to fund improvements that will make homes more energy-efficient, reduce carbon emissions and help people manage their energy use and their bills. Eligibility for the scheme may be determined by the current energy efficiency rating of the property. -
INCOME:
The ECO4 scheme is designed to help those who are in fuel poverty or on a low income. Eligibility is determined by a means-tested assessment of household income, which varies depending on the type of property and location. -
BENEFITS:
Some people may be automatically eligible for the ECO4 scheme if anyone who lives at the property (on a permanent basis) receives one of the Help to Heat Group benefits such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Universal Credit. It is important to note that eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific measures being installed and the energy supplier offering the scheme. It is best to check with your energy supplier or a qualified installer to determine your eligibility for the ECO4 scheme.
We offer a comprehensive range of energy-efficient measures under the ECO4 Scheme to help you save on energy costs and improve your home’s comfort. The measures we install include:
Loft Insulation:
Helps to prevent heat from escaping through the roof, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Cavity Wall Insulation:
Fills the gaps between the walls of your home to reduce heat loss and enhance thermal efficiency.
Internal Wall Insulation:
Insulates the interior walls of your home to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Room In Roof Insulation:
Ideal for properties with rooms in the roof, this insulation keeps your top-floor living spaces warm and cozy.
Under Floor Insulation:
Insulates the floors of your home to reduce draughts and improve overall warmth.
Heat Pumps:
An efficient heating solution that extracts heat from the air or ground, providing a sustainable way to heat your home.
Solar PV Panels:
A renewable energy option that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity for your home, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
In addition to these measures, we ensure that every installation includes a thorough assessment and installation of proper ventilation. This step is crucial to maintaining clean air flow in your home, preventing moisture build-up and ensuring a healthy living environment.
Funding for ECO is provided by the large energy companies such as British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power, Octopus and so on. Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) these large energy have been charge to improve energy performance in the UK, help reduce fuel poverty and cut down on emissions.
They do this by supporting the installation of a pre-targeted amount of energy efficient measures each year. If they Energy company doesn’t reach its target, it can face a large fine.
The cost of these energy efficient measures is taken from the energy companies profits and is not taken from the Government or tax payers money.
Yes, ECO was set up under the Government’s Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO), also known as the Affordable Warmth Obligation in 2013. Ofgem has been appointed the scheme administrator on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Ofgem’s responsibilities include:
Allocating a proportion of targets to obligated suppliers
Monitoring supplier progress and deciding whether they’ve achieved their obligations
Reporting to the Secretary of State
Auditing, ensuring compliance and preventing and detecting fraud
ECO4 is an installer lead scheme, which means you can apply with a registered installer like ourselves. This normally involves completing and online form with some details about yourself and your property.
The Smart Energy Homes ECO4 Eligibility form can be found above.
Yes, the ECO Scheme, including ECO4, is completely free for eligible households. This means that if you qualify, you won’t have to pay anything for the energy-efficient measures installed in your home. The scheme is 100% fully funded by large energy companies as part of their obligations under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) program. These companies are required to invest in improving the energy efficiency of homes, helping to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
Under ECO4, we provide and install top-quality measures and materials that meet industry standards. Our aim is to ensure your home becomes as energy-efficient as possible, improving your comfort and reducing your energy costs.
It’s important to note that eligibility criteria must be met to access these free services, which Can be found on the ECO4 section of our website.
If you’re renting your home privately, you will need to obtain permission from your landlord before any ECO4 measures can be installed. It’s important to discuss the potential upgrades with your landlord, as they involve making changes to the property. These measures might include insulation, heating system upgrades, or the installation of renewable energy systems like solar panels. Landlord approval ensures that any work complies with tenancy agreements and maintains the property’s integrity.
For homeowners, permission is generally not an issue since they own the property. However, if you live in a leasehold property or a building with shared ownership or management, you may need to check with the managing body or homeowners’ association for approval. Additionally, if your home is listed or located in a conservation area, you may need to obtain special permissions or planning consents from local authorities before proceeding with the installation of certain measures.
In all cases, it’s advisable to clarify any necessary permissions early in the process to avoid delays and ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
