The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is a UK government energy efficiency scheme designed to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. It primarily targets off-gas homes—households that rely on electricity or alternative fuels such as LPG, heating oil, or solid fuels (coal or wood) for heating. If this describes your home, you could be eligible for the ECO4 grant. Here’s a guide on how to apply for ECO4.
Who is Eligible for ECO4?
ECO4 targets low-income households and those in vulnerable living situations. The eligibility for the scheme is primarily based on household income and whether the homeowner or tenant receives certain benefits. Here are key points on eligibility when you apply for ECO4:
- Household Income: Applicants might be required to have an income below £31,000 threshold.
- Property Type and Condition: ECO4 often focuses on properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. These properties can benefit the most from energy efficiency improvements, especially those with poor insulation.
Receipt of Benefits: Benefits that may make you eligible include:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings
What improvements do you get with ECO4?
ECO4 provides several benefits designed to improve home energy efficiency, which can lead to reduced energy bills and enhanced living conditions. The types of support provided under this scheme typically include:
- Insulation: Improvements like loft, cavity wall, or underfloor insulation.
- Heating Upgrades: Includes more efficient heating systems or repairs to existing systems.
- Renewable Energy Installations: Some circumstances may warrant the installation of systems like solar panels or air source heat pumps.
How Does the ECO4 Scheme Work?
The ECO4 scheme operates through a network of approved installers and utility companies. Here’s how it typically works:
Eligibility Check:
Applicants need to confirm their eligibility through a benefits check and possibly a survey of their home’s energy efficiency.
Assessment and Installation:
An energy assessment is carried out to identify the most effective improvements for your home. Following this, the installation of recommended measures is scheduled.
Quality Assurance:
Post-installation, checks are conducted to ensure everything is completed to a high standard.
What is the Difference Between ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme?
While both schemes aim to improve energy efficiency, there are distinct differences:
- Target Audience: ECO4 is more narrowly focused on low-income and vulnerable households, whereas Great British Insulation (ECO+) may have broader eligibility criteria.
- Type of Improvements: ECO4 tends to focus more on fundamental improvements like insulation and heating systems. In contrast, ECO+ might include a wider range of energy-saving measures.
- Funding and Scope: ECO4 often has more targeted funding and specific goals compared to ECO+, which might be broader in scope but less focused in application.
