The UK government set up the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme to help low-income and vulnerable households improve the energy efficiency of their properties. ECO4 is designed with renewable energy in mind, offering upgrades such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and even solar panels.
What is ECO4?
It’s the current phase of the Energy Company Obligation that is set to run until March 2026. Its goal is to improve the least energy-efficient homes, especially those with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
The scheme sees the biggest energy suppliers provide funding for these upgrades, helping reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
Does Your Local Authority Participate in ECO4?
Local authorities play a key role in ECO4 through what is known as the ECO4 Flex scheme. This allows councils to refer households that may not qualify under the standard criteria for ECO4, but still require support.
Each local authority decides whether to take part in ECO4 Flex, and their specific criteria for referrals may vary.
To find out if your local authority is part of the scheme:
- Visit your council’s website – Councils provide information about energy efficiency grants and their involvement in ECO4 Flex on their websites.
- Contact your local authority – Reach out to their housing or energy efficiency team to find out about support you’re entitled to.
- Check the ECO4 supplier list – Some councils partner with energy companies that manage ECO4 installations in their area.
- Speak to Energy Advice Helpline – We can help determine if your local authority takes part and guide you through the application process.
What if Your Local Authority Doesn’t Take Part?
If your local authority does not participate in ECO4 Flex, you could still be eligible for ECO4 directly from your energy supplier. There are other government grants and local schemes that may be available to help upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.
How We Can Help
As a non-profit Community Interest Company, our goal is to help households access funding for energy-saving measures. Whether your local authority participates in ECO4 or not, we can help you in finding the best available options for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s efficiency.
For more information, get in touch with our team or visit the rest of our website. Let’s work together to make energy efficiency accessible for everyone.
