Retrofit Services

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The ECO4 scheme, or Energy Company Obligation phase 4, is a UK government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency in low-income households and vulnerable communities. Launched in April 2022, ECO4 continues the work of its predecessors by mandating that major energy suppliers fund energy-saving improvements in eligible homes. This scheme plays a crucial role in reducing energy bills, combating fuel poverty, and contributing to the UK's broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

ECO4 focuses on installing insulation, upgrading heating systems, and implementing other measures that enhance energy efficiency. Unlike previous phases, ECO4 places a stronger emphasis on whole-house retrofits, ensuring that homes meet minimum energy performance standards. This holistic approach not only helps in lowering energy consumption but also improves the overall comfort and health of occupants, addressing the social and environmental challenges of energy inefficiency.xt goes here

Eligibility for the ECO4 grant is primarily focused on assisting low-income households and those considered vulnerable to fuel poverty. To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, households must meet specific criteria related to income, benefits, and the energy efficiency of their homes. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:

1. Income-Related Benefits:

• Households where at least one member receives certain income-related benefits are eligible. These benefits include:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Pension Guarantee Credit

2. Low-Income and Vulnerable Households:

• Even if not receiving the above benefits, households considered low-income or vulnerable may qualify if they meet criteria set by the local authority under the Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) component. This part of the scheme allows local authorities to define their own eligibility rules to target those most in need within their areas.

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating:

• The property must typically have a low energy efficiency rating, specifically an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. ECO4 prioritizes homes that are less energy-efficient, as these properties benefit the most from energy-saving improvements.

4. Private Tenants and Homeowners:

• Both private homeowners and tenants can apply for ECO4 grants. However, for rented properties, the landlord must give consent for the improvements.

5. No Previous ECO Funding:

• The property should not have benefitted from significant energy efficiency improvements under previous ECO schemes, ensuring that the funding targets homes that still need major upgrades.

6. Additional Considerations:

• Households facing high energy bills or those with vulnerable occupants, such as elderly people, young children, or individuals with health conditions exacerbated by cold living conditions, are also prioritized under the ECO4 scheme.

In summary, ECO4 is designed to target the households most in need of energy efficiency improvements, with eligibility determined by a combination of income, benefits, property energy performance, and specific vulnerabilities.

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new government energy efficiency scheme (formerly known as ECO+) administered by Ofgem. It is designed to deliver improvements to the least energy-efficient homes in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills.

The scheme complements the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, yet unlike ECO4’s ‘whole house’ approach, this scheme will mostly deliver single insulation measures.

As well as supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it is also available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.

The scheme works by placing an obligation on medium and large energy companies to deliver measures that result in reduced energy usage. The scheme began in April 2023 and is scheduled to end in April 2026.