The Energy Company Obligation, ECO4, is a government-backed scheme that aims to improve energy efficiency for households that are facing severe fuel poverty in their day-to-day lives. The scheme is available in England, Wales, and Scotland – but who is eligible?
You must own your home or have permission from your landlord. This includes permission from social housing providers or management companies.
If you are not sure if you would benefit, you can contact any of the energy suppliers who are taking part in the scheme.
How Do You Know If You Are Eligible for ECO4?
To be eligible for the scheme, you must be receiving a least one of the following:
- Child benefit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
- Universal Credit
- Housing benefit
- Pension credit saving credit
You are also eligible if your collective household income is £31,000 or under. Those off-gas will also qualify for ECO4.
ECO Flex
Under ECO Flex, Local Authorities (LA’s) can refer residents in their respective areas to any of the obligated energy suppliers. From here, they can be offered support.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The EPC of your property must show that the property applying for the scheme needs significant improvements.
Properties that hold an EPC rating of D or higher will not qualify for ECO4. Ratings of F and below will get the measures needed to improve the property up to a D rating or better. Homes that already have a rating of D or E will be improved to that of a C rating.
By 2025, the goal is to have every single new lease property have a C rating or above.
How Do You Apply for ECO4?
Energy Advice Helpline is here to guide you with support and advice when it comes to ECO4. We want the application to be as easy as possible for your peace of mind.
With the following form, you can quickly find out if you are eligible for ECO4:
You can also contact our support team on 0330 822 4168. We are available during the office hours of 9 am to 5 pm.
