What is the Eco4 Scheme?
If you’re struggling to keep your heating bills low, the eco4 scheme could help. It’s a UK government programme whereby energy suppliers are required to install home energy efficiency measures in homes that meet the relevant criteria.
Launched in August 2022, eco4 scheme is the fourth phase of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation and will run until March 2026. It has a budget of PS4 billion. The previous phases, ECO1, ECO2 and ECO2t were closed in April 2022.
The eco4 scheme takes a ‘fabric-first’ approach and will deliver loft, roof and external wall insulation before improving how you heat your home. It will also offer electric storage heaters, condensing boilers and air source heat pumps – as well as a variety of home heating measures to improve your property’s energy efficiency rating and reduce fuel poverty.
Decoding Eco4: Navigating the Sustainability Landscape with the Eco4 Scheme
Homeowners and private tenants with qualifying benefits can apply for a grant to support the installation of the measures, as can landlords who are able to demonstrate they have permission from their tenants to install energy-saving measures. This can be a great way for landlords to reduce their energy costs, improve the comfort of their tenants and ultimately increase the value of their properties.
The main criterion for the eco4 scheme is that you or somebody living in your household receives one of a number of qualifying Department of Work and Pensions benefits (including Universal Credit, Income based Jobseekers Allowance, Working Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit Savings Credit and Child Benefit). A DWP check will be carried out to verify eligibility.