ECO4: an energy-supplier obligation, not a guaranteed grant
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ECO4 runs in Great Britain to 31 December 2026. Ofgem explicitly says ECO is not a grant scheme. A supplier chooses whether to fund a property, which measures to offer and whether a household contribution is required.
Direct benefit routes listed by Ofgem
A household may have a route if it receives one of the current listed benefits, subject to all other rules:
- Universal Credit; Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Income-based JSA; income-related ESA; Income Support; Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit, with additional household-income caps
Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Council Tax Reduction are not in the current direct ECO4 benefit list. A separate council ECO4 Flex route may use gross household income below £31,000 or health/vulnerability criteria.
Property-band rules in brief
| Tenure | Typical ECO4 band route |
|---|---|
| Private owner-occupier | EPC D, E, F or G |
| Private tenant | Generally EPC E, F or G; landlord permission needed |
| Social housing | Separate measure and EPC restrictions apply |
Frequently asked questions
Is ECO4 a free government grant?
No. Ofgem says ECO is not a grant scheme. A supplier may fund all or part of eligible work, may request a contribution and does not have to make an offer.
Does receiving a listed benefit guarantee work?
No. Benefit status is only one route. EPC, tenure, technical suitability, supplier policy and funding also matter.
When does ECO4 end?
The current end date is 31 December 2026.
Find Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) in your area
See which national routes cover each area, then check with the official administrator.
Other available grants
Check for an ECO4 route
Use this as an indication, then confirm directly with an obligated supplier or participating council.
Run the Indicative Checker