What is the Eco 4 Scheme and How Does it Work?
The ECO 4 scheme is a government initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency and is managed by Ofgem.
Currently in its fourth iteration, it is designed to last for four years, running from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2026. Since 2013, the scheme has enabled more than 3.1 million home improvements, but the aim of this last phase is to exceed this number and accomplish even more.
Specifically, the ECO 4 scheme was created to aid low-income households and vulnerable individuals living in fuel-poor homes categorised as bands E, F, and G in enhancing their energy efficiency. It aims to enhance the warmth of homes, reduce household emissions and hold large energy companies responsible for assisting income-restricted households. You can check your home’s EPC rating on the Gov.uk website.
Government grants are available to cover the costs of various measures, such as insulation, heat pumps, biomass boilers, central heating systems, boiler upgrades and in some circumstances solar panels. To qualify, you need to meet the government’s criteria regarding the type of benefits you receive.
There is a minimum requirement to improve the energy efficiency rating of band E homes to at least a band C and band F and G homes to at least a band D.
ECO 4 Qualifying Benefits:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Benefit (has an income limit)
- Income based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Pension credits
- Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Benefit (threshold dependent)
- Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate
- Income based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Pension credits
- Housing benefit
ECO 4 - LA Flex
ECO 4 Flex enables Local Authorities (LA) to widen the eligibility criteria for households who are not in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Under ECO 4 Flex, a participating LA can refer private tenure households that it considers to be living in fuel poverty or on a low income (<£31,000) and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home. The application process is carried out by the installer on your behalf.
ECO 4 - which home upgrades does it cover?
Insulation
Renewables
Heating
- Loft
- Cavity wall
- Internal wall
- Solid wall
- Pitched roof
- Room in roof
- Flat roof
- Under floor
- Solid floor
- Solar
- Windows & Doors
- Heating controls
- Heat pumps
- Biomass boilers
- Boiler repair / upgrade
- Boiler replacement
- Electric storage upgrade
- First time central heating (Gas)
Summary
According to experts, the energy crisis may cause 8.5 million households to face difficulties in heating or powering their homes, leading to fuel poverty. To aid the vulnerable, the UK government has extended the ECO 4 scheme for four more years.
If you believe you fit the criteria, simply complete our online form. We can then put you in contact with one of our trusted partners local to you.