How Much Is The ECO4 Grant Going To Cost Me?

For eligible UK households, you will be incredibly pleased to know that the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is entirely free.

There is no upfront cost, and eligible homeowners don’t need to pay anything. Before we discuss the eligibility criteria, what is the ECO4 scheme?

What’s The ECO4 Scheme All About?

The ECO4 scheme is a UK government program, regulated by Ofgem, that requires large energy suppliers to assist low-income and vulnerable households in making energy-saving improvements to their homes.

Large energy suppliers that are legally required to fulfil their ECO4 obligations are:

• British Gas (Centrica)
• EDF Energy
• E.ON UK / E.ON Energy (including E Energy Ltd)
• Ecotricity
• Octopus Energy
• OVO Energy (including SSE customers migrated)
• Scottish Power
• Outfox the Market

This scheme’s three main critical national goals are:

• Reducing fuel poverty: Making homes more efficient helps lower energy bills.
• Cutting carbon emissions: Energy-efficient homes use less power, reducing their carbon footprint.
• Improving the energy efficiency of UK homes: This helps create warmer, healthier living environments.

To date, the scheme has undergone four iterations. The latest scheme ends on 31 March 2026.

Currently, improvements that can be carried out for a household eligible for ECO4 include:

• Loft, cavity wall, or underfloor insulation
• Replacing old or broken boilers
• Installing modern, efficient heating systems (e.g., air source heat pumps)
• Solar panel installations
• And draught proofing and ventilation

All of the above-mentioned upgrades are meant to ensure your monthly energy bills are low, make your home more comfortable, and reduce your household’s carbon emissions.

Also included in the ECO4 package are free surveys, assessments, building materials, construction equipment, labour, and installation.

There are no loans required, no upfront costs, and no hidden future repayments. It’s vital to understand that ECO4 is not a pay-back scheme.

According to the FundingService resource, ECO4-funded upgrades “cost anywhere between £6,000 to £20,000,” depending on the specific needs, and these are covered under the grant scheme.

Who Qualifies for the ECO4 Scheme?

To qualify for ECO4 funding, you generally need to meet three key conditions:

Property Eligibility

To qualify for assistance from ECO4, your home must have a low energy rating that has been specified on your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

An EPC is a government-issued document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property, using a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It considers factors such as insulation, heating systems, glazing, and overall energy use.

If you can’t find your home’s current EPC, it remains valid for 10 years, and a digital copy can be found on the GOV.UK website’s energy certificate portal.

For homeowners wanting to apply for ECO4, your home must be energy inefficient, or have an EPC rating of D to G (in some cases, only E-G).

It’s worth mentioning that homes with lower EPC ratings typically:

• Lose heat quickly (due to poor insulation or outdated windows)
• Rely on inefficient or old heating systems
• And they cost more to keep warm.

By targeting these homes, ECO4 ensures that funding is directed toward properties where energy-saving upgrades will have the best impact, reducing energy bills, enhancing comfort, and lowering carbon emissions.

If your home doesn’t currently have an EPC, you’ll need to get one assessed by a qualified energy assessor before applying for the ECO4 scheme.

Household Circumstances

If anyone in your household receives one or more of the following income-related benefits, you likely qualify for full ECO4 funding:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee)
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• OR qualify through Local Authority Flex (low income but not on benefits)

For homeowners who don’t receive any of the above benefits, you can still qualify for assistance from ECO4’s LA Flex scheme.

The Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) allows councils to:

• Identify households in fuel poverty or
• Consider homes with low energy efficiency (EPC D-G) and low household income (even without benefits)

This alternative route allows local authorities to assist vulnerable residents. Local authorities and installers collaborate to assess and approve LA Flex applicants. Each council has its criteria based on regional needs.

Installation Suitability

The last requirement is whether your home is suitable for some installation measures, which include:

• Roof space for insulation
• Outside space for a heat pump
• And more.

While generally there are no hidden costs. However, you may need to fulfill some additional requirements, such as obtaining a sign-off from your landlord.

Additionally, if a supplier attempts to upsell you on non-covered extras, only work with approved and registered installers or those listed on the TrustMark register.

As a general rule, always verify that your quote is 100% covered under ECO4 before signing off on the job.

Now that you’re informed that the ECO4 scheme is free, you’ll want to know how to apply.

How To Apply For The ECO4 Scheme Help

Applying to the ECO4 scheme is a simple process and is done by professionals. The first step, though, requires some research:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start with the application process, you will need to determine if your household qualifies.

As mentioned above, you are eligible if:

• Your home has an EPC rating of D to G
• You receive qualifying income-based benefits (like Universal Credit, Pension Credit)
• Or you’re considered low-income under the Local Authority Flex (LA Flex) route

Step 2: Choose a Registered ECO4 Installer

Only TrustMark-registered and PAS 2035-compliant installers are permitted to carry out ECO4 upgrades.

You can:

• Visit the Ofgem ECO supplier contact list
• Use government-trusted directories like:
  • TrustMark
  • Simple Energy Advice
• Or go through a large energy supplier (British Gas, E.ON, Octopus, etc.)

Installers can also help check your eligibility and advise on the measures for which you may be eligible.

Step 3: Home Energy Assessment

Once you contact an installer, they will conduct a free energy assessment (also called a Retrofit Assessment).

A retrofit assessment involves inspecting your home’s current insulation, heating system, ventilation, and EPC rating.

The assessment helps the professionals assess what work needs to be done and you’re eligible for, such as having loft insulation installed, replacing an older boiler with a new one, or if your property would be ready for a heat pump.

It’s worth mentioning again that this step is completely free for eligible homes.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Proof of benefits (award letters or payment history)
• Proof of income (if applying via LA Flex)
• Landlord consent (if you’re a tenant in a privately rented property)
• Photo ID and utility bills (to confirm residence)

Your installer or energy supplier typically helps collect and submit the documentation on your behalf.

Step 5: Installation Begins

Once everything is approved, your installer will schedule a convenient installation time and date.

Most work will be installed within a few days (larger jobs like whole-house upgrades may take longer).

Lastly, all work will be carried out by qualified professionals and will meet building regulations and energy efficiency standards (PAS 2035 framework).

Step 6: Quality Check and Certification

After installation is completed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that everything meets compliance requirements. If everything has gone according to plan, you’ll receive:

• A post-install EPC certificate
• Product warranties and paperwork
• Advice on how to use your new systems (like heat pumps or smart thermostats)

Currently, WarmZilla is not a TrustMark-registered organisation; however, we are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have about ECO4.

If you can afford to finance your home’s heating upgrades, WarmZilla can assist you within 48 hours anywhere in the UK.