What is the ECO Scheme, and how can it help me?

If you’ve been struggling to make ends meet and looking for ways to make your energy costs more manageable, you might have heard of the ECO Scheme.

This is a government-backed initiative that aims to help people across the UK who are struggling with fuel poverty, high energy bills and inefficient homes. But how does it work? And how can you benefit?

Key Takeaways

• What is the ECO Scheme?
• Who qualifies for an ECO grant?
• How Does ECO Work?
• Applying for ECO Support

What is the ECO Scheme?

The ECO Scheme, now in its fourth phase, ECO4, is backed by the government and managed by Ofgem. It runs from April 2022 to March 2026 and aims to make homes across the country more energy-efficient by providing funding for energy-saving solutions for mainly low-income households.

Who qualifies for an ECO grant?

Since the scheme aims to help low-income, fuel-poor and vulnerable households specifically, eligibility is often based on your income and benefit status.

Whether you’re a homeowner or tenant or living in private or social housing, an ECO4 grant could cover up to 100% of the cost of an energy-saving home upgrade. You could qualify for ECO funding if:

• You are a homeowner, private renter or social housing tenant
• Your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
• You claim one of the following benefits:
  • 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

If you don’t receive any of these benefits, don’t worry. Local authorities can also refer people in their area under the ECO Flex. You could be eligible for this if you live in a property that needs energy efficiency upgrades and:

• You have a combined gross annual household income under £31,000 or
• A person in your household has a severe or long-term health condition that is worsened by living in a cold home

How does the ECO grant work, and what does it cover?

The ECO4 grant scheme is government-backed, but the energy suppliers provide the funding and promote energy-saving home upgrades. These upgrades include a wide range of solutions, such as:

• New insulation (such as loft and cavity wall insulation)
• Boiler repairs and replacements
• Heat pump solutions
• Solar installations

The right home insulation grant will depend on your property and your energy needs. But don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start – our team can help; just give us a call.

Get your ECO4 grant with our help

Whether you want to check your Eco4 eligibility or need support with the application process, our team is here to help.

With over 50 years of experience behind us, you can count on us to be with you every step of the way – from the initial call to the final installation of your energy-saving solution.

Not sure which installation is right for your home? We can help with that, too, working with you to find a solution that will make a real difference.

Call our team now if you’re ready to reduce your monthly bills and enjoy a more comfortable home.