ECO4 Scheme: Free Energy Efficiency Grants for UK Homes

Yes. ECO4 is a legitimate UK government scheme administered by Ofgem. Large energy suppliers are legally required to fund energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Company Obligation. The scheme has been running since 2013 (currently in its fourth phase) and has upgraded millions of UK homes.

Yes, for eligible households. You do not pay anything for the measures installed under ECO4. The cost is met by energy suppliers as part of their legal obligation. You should never be asked for upfront payments, deposits, or fees. If someone asks for money, it is likely a scam.

Yes, solar PV panels can be installed as part of an ECO4 package. However, solar is typically only offered after insulation measures have been completed (fabric-first approach). The system size is usually 2–4 kWp. Not all properties will be offered solar — it depends on roof suitability, existing EPC rating, and the installer's assessment.

Yes, private tenants can benefit from ECO4. However, you will need your landlord's written permission before work can be carried out. The landlord does not need to pay anything — the measures are fully funded. Both the tenant and the property must meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, boiler replacement is covered under ECO4. However, ECO4 follows a fabric-first approach, meaning insulation measures should be installed first where possible. A new boiler may be offered if your current boiler is broken, inefficient (non-condensing), or if insulation alone will not achieve the minimum EPC uplift.

Installation time varies by measure: loft insulation takes 1–2 days, cavity wall insulation takes 1 day, solid wall insulation takes 1–2 weeks, and a boiler replacement takes 1–2 days. If multiple measures are installed, the work may be phased over several weeks.

LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) allows your local council to refer you for ECO4 even if you don't receive a qualifying benefit. Councils set their own criteria based on fuel poverty indicators — typically low household income, poor EPC rating, and vulnerability to cold. Contact your council to check if you qualify.

ECO4 is a whole-house scheme targeting fuel-poor homes with multiple measures to achieve at least EPC band C. The Great British Insulation Scheme (formerly ECO+) focuses on single insulation measures for a broader group of households, including those in specific Council Tax bands. You may be eligible for both.

No. You can benefit from ECO4 regardless of which energy supplier you use. The obligation falls on the large suppliers, but you do not need to be their customer. Any approved ECO4 installer can apply on your behalf to any obligated supplier.

The current ECO4 scheme ends on 31 March 2026. The government has indicated that a successor scheme will follow, but the details have not been confirmed. It is advisable to apply before the scheme ends to guarantee access to the current funding and eligibility criteria.

If your application is rejected, ask the installer or energy supplier for the reason. Common issues include: EPC rating too high (already band C or above), not meeting benefit criteria, or landlord permission not obtained. If you were rejected on benefits grounds, ask your council about LA Flex as an alternative route.

Not entirely. The surveyor will assess your home and recommend the most appropriate measures based on the fabric-first approach and what will achieve the best EPC uplift. You can decline specific measures, but this may affect the overall package and whether the installer can proceed with the application.