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Am I eligible for the ECO4 Scheme?

Are you looking for ways to reduce your monthly outgoings? You're not alone.

Millions of UK households are finding it challenging to keep on top of their monthly bills with the increasing costs of living.

But here's some good news. 

The ECO4 Scheme, one of the key UK home energy efficiency schemes, might be able to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your monthly energy bills.

In this blog post, we'll explain what the ECO4 Scheme is, explore who's eligible, how it works, and how it could benefit you. 

We'll also take a look at some of the other government incentives for home energy efficiency, in case it turns out you might not be eligible for ECO4.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is one of the UK government's current initiatives to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions across the country. 

The scheme started in April 2022 and is set to run until March 2026, it places an obligation on energy companies to help improve the energy efficiency of properties that need it the most. 

The focus of ECO4 is on transforming the least energy-efficient homes, which are those that currently have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G,

The scheme isn’t limited to specific energy efficiency solutions - taking a multi-measure, whole-house retrofit approach to improve home energy efficiency across the UK.

I am struggling to pay my energy bills. Am I eligible for ECO4?

If you're finding it challenging to keep up with your energy bills, and you live in a property that has a low EPC rating - the ECO4 Scheme could help your home become more energy efficient.

Let’s take a look in more detail at the eligibility criteria:

Property type

You must live in private domestic premises in the UK. This includes both owner-occupied homes, and private rentals.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Your home should have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, which helps ensure that the scheme targets the homes that need the most improvement.

Financial position

The scheme is also designed to help the individuals that need it the most, so you or someone in your household must be must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:

  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
  • Child Benefit

However, even if you don't meet the above criteria, you might still be eligible for the scheme under something called ECO4 Flex. 

This allows local authorities the flexibility to offer the scheme to other households if they have a  gross annual income under £31,000,live in an area with high deprivation, are receiving a council tax reduction, or if anyone who lives in the property is identified as particularly vulnerable to the cold.

What energy-efficiency measures does the ECO4 scheme cover?

If you're eligible, the ECO4 scheme can provide a range of energy-efficient improvements. 

The scheme prioritises making homes more energy efficient first, by installing insulation - before looking at energy-efficiency heating. But it is possible to install a number of different eco-friendly improvements to your home as part of the scheme, including:

Cavity wall insulation

This involves filling the gap between your home's inner and outer walls with insulations, which can reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Loft insulation

By adding insulation to your loft or attic space, you can prevent up to 25% of your home's heat from escaping through the roof, leading to significant energy savings. 

First-time central heating

If your home doesn't have a central heating system and relies on electric heaters - ECO4 can help install a central heating system for you. This can provide more efficient heating for your home and hot water.

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air to warm your home and water, as a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional boilers. They work well even in colder temperatures and can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Biomass boilers

If your property is in a rural location and isn’t connected to a central gas supply, you may be eligible for a biomass boiler. These boilers use renewable organic materials like wood pellets to heat your home, offering a low-carbon alternative to oil or other fossil fuels.

Heating controls

Smart thermostats can help you manage your heating more efficiently, potentially saving up to 20% on your heating bills.

Solar panels (in some cases)

You can get solar panels on the ECO4 scheme and are perfect to fit with an air source heat pump as they help to reduce your electricity bills and reliance on the natinal grid.

The specific improvements you’re able to receive for your home under ECO4 will depend on its current condition and your individual circumstances, which will be evaluated by an assessor when you apply for the scheme. 

However, implementing any of these measures can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency, leading to lower bills and a more comfortable living environment.

How do I apply for ECO4?

If you’re interested in applying for the ECO4 scheme, the first step is to check your eligibility by following our very simple process!

We will handle the grant application process for you!

Once the improvements are agreed upon, we will make the necessary energy-efficient upgrades to your property. 

It really is that simple! We will handle the grant application process for you. 

Not eligible for the ECO4 scheme? Take a look at some of the other UK home energy efficiency schemes...

The ECO4 scheme is a popular initiative, and many homes across the country have taken advantage of it already. 

However, it’s important to recognise that not all homeowners will be eligible.

The good news is that there are plenty of other government incentives for home energy efficiency, such as:

BUS Scheme UK

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7500 for installing low-carbon heating systems like air source heat pumps.

HUG Scheme

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG Scheme) benefits low-income households not connected to the central gas supply, by providing funding for energy efficiency improvements.

Each of these schemes helps to improve home energy efficiency across the UK, but they have different eligibility criteria and areas of focus. 

It's worth exploring all options to find the best fit for your personal circumstances, or alternatively, speak to a home energy efficiency specialist like Projects4Renewables.

Looking for support in helping your home become more energy efficient? 

Each of the UK home energy efficiency schemes has been set up with the aim to make it easy for homeowners to access them.

However, if you’re not familiar with home improvements or the latest innovations in energy-efficient home heating, trying to understand which UK home energy efficiency schemes are right for you can be daunting. 

At Projects4Renewables, we're here to help - guiding you through every step of the process, enabling you to take full advantage of the energy efficiency incentives in East Anglia.

Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll assess your eligibility for each of the various schemes, handle all the paperwork, and install high-quality energy-efficient home upgrades that help you reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. 

Start our simple process!