ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is a UK government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible low-income and vulnerable households. Under ECO4, eligible homeowners and tenants can receive fully funded or heavily subsidised measures including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation (cavity, loft, solid wall), and storage heaters. The scheme runs until December 2026.

Who is eligible for ECO4?

You may be eligible if you receive one of these qualifying benefits: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Benefit (income-dependent), Income-based JSA/ESA, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit. You must also live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Owner-occupiers and private renters can both apply.

ECO4 Flex allows local authorities and energy suppliers to refer households who do not receive qualifying benefits but are still fuel-poor or living in low-income, high-cost homes. Each local authority has a referral budget. Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk councils all operate ECO4 Flex schemes — contact your local council or contact us to check eligibility.

What measures can I get under ECO4?

Eligible measures include: air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, first-time central heating, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (internal or external), room-in-roof insulation, underfloor insulation, storage heaters, solar PV, and smart heating controls. Which measures you receive depends on your home's specific heat loss and EPC band.

Can I get solar panels under ECO4?

Yes. Solar PV is an eligible measure under ECO4, although it is typically offered as a secondary measure (bundled with insulation or a heat pump) rather than as a standalone measure. Solar is more common under ECO4 Flex and local authority referral routes. Contact us to check whether your property qualifies for solar under the scheme.

What is the ECO4 deadline?

ECO4 runs until December 2026. After this date, the scheme will either transition to ECO5 (under the Warm Homes Plan framework) or close temporarily. Acting before December 2026 ensures you can access funding under the current, well-established scheme rules.

How long does ECO4 take?

From initial eligibility check to installation typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on the measures recommended and surveyor availability. Simple measures like loft insulation can be installed within 4–6 weeks. Heat pump installations under ECO4 take longer due to additional technical requirements and MCS compliance.

Can private renters apply for ECO4?

Yes. Private tenants can apply for ECO4, but the landlord must consent to the installation work. If you are a tenant in an EPC D-G property and receive qualifying benefits, you can apply — we can help facilitate the landlord conversation. Landlords should also be aware that ECO4 can help them meet their EPC C by 2030 obligation at no cost.

ECO4 Grant 2026: Am I Eligible? Guide for East Anglia Homeowners

ECO4 closes December 2026 — act now

ECO4 funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. With the scheme closing at the end of 2026, demand is expected to peak in the second half of the year. Booking an eligibility check now avoids the rush.

What is ECO4? The Energy Company Obligation 4 scheme requires large energy suppliers to fund free energy efficiency improvements for eligible low-income and vulnerable households. If you receive certain benefits and live in an EPC D–G rated home, you may qualify for a free heat pump, solar panels, or insulation — at no cost to you.

Who Qualifies for ECO4?

You must meet both conditions below:

Condition 1: Qualifying benefit

Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Child Benefit (income-dependent)
Income-based JSA/ESA
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit

Condition 2: Property EPC band

Your property must currently be rated EPC D, E, F or G. Most older UK homes fall into this range. You can check your EPC at the government EPC register.

DEligible

EEligible

FEligible

GEligible

EPC A, B or C rated homes do not qualify (the scheme targets the least efficient properties).

ECO4 Flex: What If I Don't Receive Benefits?

ECO4 Flex allows households who do not receive qualifying benefits to be referred by their local authority if they are considered fuel-poor or living in low-income, high-cost homes. Each local council allocates a proportion of their ECO4 budget to this route.

Cambridgeshire — ECO4 Flex Councils

Cambridge City Council
South Cambridgeshire DC
East Cambridgeshire DC
Fenland DC
Huntingdonshire DC
Peterborough City Council

Contact your council directly or ask us to check ECO4 Flex availability in your specific postcode.

Norfolk — ECO4 Flex Councils

Norwich City Council
King's Lynn & West Norfolk BC
Breckland DC
North Norfolk DC
South Norfolk DC
Broadland DC
Great Yarmouth BC

Contact your council directly or ask us to check ECO4 Flex availability in your specific postcode.

Suffolk — ECO4 Flex Councils

Ipswich Borough Council
West Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council
Mid Suffolk DC
Babergh DC

Contact your council directly or ask us to check ECO4 Flex availability in your specific postcode.

What Can I Get Under ECO4?

Air Source Heat Pump

Replaces gas, oil or electric heating

Loft Insulation

Up to 300mm mineral fibre insulation

Cavity Wall Insulation

Fills hollow wall cavities

Solid Wall Insulation

Internal or external EWI systems

Solar PV Panels

Typically bundled with other measures

Smart Heating Controls

Smart thermostats and TRVs

How to Apply: The Green Hat Process

Free eligibility check

Call us or complete the online form. We check your benefit status, property EPC, and identify which measures your home qualifies for. Takes 10 minutes.

Home survey

A qualified surveyor visits your property to assess heat loss, insulation levels, and recommend the most impactful measures. Completely free.

Grant application

We submit your ECO4 application to the relevant energy supplier on your behalf. You sign a consent form — we handle everything else.

Installation

Once approved (typically 4–8 weeks), we install the measures. All work is MCS certified where required and covered by the RECC guarantee.

New EPC issued

After installation, we arrange a new EPC assessment to confirm your improved energy rating. Many homes move from EPC E or D to B or C.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Check Your ECO4 Eligibility — Free and No Obligation

Available for Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk households. The December 2026 deadline is approaching — act now to secure your place.

Get Your Free Quote 0330 111 7421

Who Qualifies for ECO4?

Condition 1: Qualifying benefit

Condition 2: Property EPC band

ECO4 Flex: What If I Don't Receive Benefits?

What Can I Get Under ECO4?

How to Apply: The Green Hat Process

Frequently Asked Questions

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Check Your ECO4 Eligibility — Free and No Obligation