With energy bills continuing to burden UK households, the ECO4 grant remains one of the most significant government-backed initiatives for improving energy efficiency. Launched under the Energy Company Obligation Order 2022, ECO4 aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by funding critical energy-saving measures in domestic properties across Great Britain.
This blog offers a comprehensive breakdown of ECO4 grant eligibility, exploring who can apply, which properties qualify, and what has changed for 2025. All information here is strictly sourced from Ofgem’s official guidance documents and the UK Government response to the ECO4 consultation.
What is ECO4?
The government’s ECO4 scheme began in July 2022 and will remain in place until March 2026 as part of the ongoing Energy Company Obligation. It mandates energy suppliers to fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in homes across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Unlike previous versions of the scheme, ECO4 places a stronger emphasis on supporting low-income and vulnerable households, especially those living in the least energy-efficient homes of EPC bands D to G.
ECO4’s primary focus is the Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) which is designed to achieve £224.3 million in annual bill savings by March 2026.
Who is eligible for ECO4?
Eligibility for ECO4 is determined by factors such as who lives in the home, what benefits they receive, and the property’s energy efficiency. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Occupant-Based Eligibility
Eligibility includes households supported by the following means-tested benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
The list also includes eligibility based on income levels under Child Benefit, subject to specified thresholds depending on family composition.
2. Flexible Eligibility (ECO4 Flex)
Not all qualifying households receive benefits. That’s where ECO4 Flex comes in. Local authorities, devolved administrations, and energy suppliers can refer households under “flexible eligibility” if they:
- Are on a low income
- Are vulnerable to the cold
- Are based in homes that have poor EPC ratings, specifically between E and G
Each local authority must publish a Statement of Intent and issue Declarations of Eligibility for households they nominate.
3. Property Type Requirements
ECO4 targets private domestic premises. This includes:
- Owner-occupied homes
- Private rented sector (PRS) homes
- Social housing
What Measures Are Covered?
ECO4 supports a broad range of energy efficiency improvements, including:
- Solid wall insulation
- Cavity wall and loft insulation
- First-time central heating
- Solar PV systems for eligible households
Crucially, all projects must follow a whole-house, fabric-first approach—meaning insulation and building fabric improvements must be completed before heating upgrades are considered.
Key Highlights For You :
As we move into the later stages of ECO4, there are several important updates :
1. Higher Focus on EFG Homes
There is now a requirement for suppliers to carry out a set number of improvements in properties with EPC bands E to G. These properties represent the UK’s least energy-efficient homes and are now a top priority.
2. Reinforced Solid Wall Minimum Requirement
As part of the scheme, the government requires 90,000 solid wall insulation upgrades to be carried out over four years. This ensures deeper retrofits and better long-term savings for fuel-poor households.
3. Innovation and New Products
Innovative energy-saving technologies are actively encouraged under the ECO4 scheme. These include:
- Standard Alternative Methodologies or SAM
- Data Light Measures or DLM
- Innovation Measures or IM with potential uplifts of 25% or 45% in scoring if they exceed performance of existing solutions.
These newer measures provide flexibility and allow suppliers to use emerging technologies—so long as they meet the PAS 2030/2035 standards or equivalent MCS certification.
Infinity: Helping You Access the ECO4 Grant
We at Infinity make it easier for UK households to access energy-saving grants like ECO4. Whether you’re on a qualifying benefit, referred by your local council, or unsure about your eligibility, our team can guide you through the process with clarity and professionalism.
We are TrustMark-accredited installers and deliver high-quality insulation, heating, and solar PV upgrades that meet Ofgem’s exact standards. Our mission is to help you lower your energy bills, improve your comfort, and live more sustainably, all without financial stress.
Let us help you determine your ECO4 grant eligibility and get started on transforming your home today.
Conclusion
The ECO4 grant remains one of the UK’s most impactful schemes for tackling fuel poverty and decarbonising homes. By targeting low-income and vulnerable households living in the least energy-efficient homes, it offers not only warmer homes but also lower bills and long-term savings.
Whether you qualify through benefits, ECO4 Flex, or by living in a poorly rated home, the scheme is designed to be accessible and effective. And with 2025 placing even more focus on solid wall insulation, whole-house retrofits, and innovation, now is the right time to explore your options.
Ready to check your ECO4 grant eligibility? Visit Infinity today and take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
