ECO4 - £35,000 Government Grants Available NOW!

Key Points About The ECO Scheme:

Launched in 2013, over 3.6 million energy-efficient measures have been installed in more than 2.4 million UK homes, resulting in approximately £20 billion in lifetime bill savings. Measures include insulation, heat pumps, boiler replacements, and solar panels, often available at no cost.As of 2023, the fifth iteration, ECO4, is the current operational scheme.

Insights into the ECO4 Scheme:

The ECO4 Scheme, initiated in April 2022 and slated to run until March 31, 2026, is a government-supported endeavor aimed at reducing household carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in UK homes. Designed as an extension of ECO3, ECO4 introduces customer-friendly changes, with a heightened focus on low-income households and regions facing high fuel poverty.

Features of the ECO4 Scheme:

Eligibility Criteria

Only homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower qualify for ECO4 benefits.

Duration

ECO4 is set to run until March 31, 2026, aligning with the government's commitment to improving overall housing energy efficiency by 2035.

Duration

ECO4 is set to run until March 31, 2026, aligning with the government's commitment to improving overall housing energy efficiency by 2035.

Covered Solutions under ECO4:

The ECO4 Scheme encompasses various energy-saving solutions, emphasizing a fabric-first approach, prioritizing energy efficiency before considering other measures like heating upgrades.

Covered Solutions Include:

Insulation

Cavity wall, solid wall, room in a roof, and loft insulation, potentially saving up to £1,800 annually.

Green Heating Systems

Installation of advanced systems like air-source heat pumps and biomass boilers, offering up to a 25% reduction in energy bills.

Boiler Repairs

Funding for repairing and upgrading existing boilers, ensuring optimal efficiency for up to 12 years.

Key Differences Between ECO3 and ECO4:

ECO4 targets more vulnerable households and areas with high fuel poverty.

Some benefits eligible under ECO3 are not applicable to ECO4, emphasising targeting low-income households.

The limit for boiler upgrades under ECO4 is reduced from nearly 134,000 to 5,000.

Biomass boiler benefits are limited, prioritising improved insulation or air-source heat pumps for more homes.

Eligibility Criteria for ECO4:

To qualify for the ECO4 Scheme, homeowners must be receiving specific qualifying benefits, such as income-based Jobseekers allowance, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Additionally, the property's EPC rating must be D or lower to be eligible for ECO4 benefits.

EPC Requirements:

Homes with an EPC rating of F or lower will receive measures to improve the property to at least a D rating.

Properties with an existing EPC rating of D or E will be upgraded to at least a C rating.

The government aims to upgrade band E, F, and G properties to prevent leaving behind the most energy-inefficient homes.

It's important to note that these changes align with the UK government's goal for all new lease properties to have an EPC of C or higher by 2025. The sooner these improvements are made, the more significant the impact on energy efficiency.

Funded by energy suppliers and regulated by Ofgem