ECO 4/ECO Flexible Eligibility

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme requires large energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency improvements to domestic households. This scheme is now entering its fourth iteration - ECO4. It is a Government scheme aimed at improving the least efficient homes in Great Britain through funding energy-saving measures including insulation and heating for low-income and vulnerable households on a fabric first approach meaning that insulation will need to be installed before considering the installation of renewable heating.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) requires large energy companies to help improve the energy efficiency of domestic homes through reducing the cost of improvement works.

Who is eligible for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) 4?

The governments ECO 4 scheme aims to support the least energy efficient homes in the country, with a focus on low-income and vulnerable households.

One of the main ways companies must measure who is eligible for the ECO 4 scheme is to see if the applicant receives any of the following benefits:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support (IS)
• Pension Credit Guarantee
• Credit Working Tax Credit (WTC)
• Child Tax Credits (CTC)
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Savings Credit

Further information on eligibility is available on the GOV.UK website. (opens new window)

The government will also make sure that anyone with additional Department of Work and Pension (DWP) benefits has access to ECO 4, regardless of whether they receive Universal Credit.

If you own your house, it must have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G to be eligible.

If you rent from a private landlord, the house must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G to be eligible. You must have the owner's permission to do the work.

Eligible residents need to contact a participating energy supplier, a list of which can be found onOfgem's website. (opens new window)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) 4 Flexible Eligibility

Similarly, to ECO 3, ECO 4 allows local authorities to identify the most vulnerable households who could benefit from energy efficiency improvements. This scheme is called ECO Flexible Eligibility and is outlined inBreckland District Councils Statement of Intent.

Complete an ECO4 Eligibility Assessment