Energy Checker

ECO4 deadline: 31 December 2026

The Energy Company Obligation 4 scheme is currently scheduled to close to new applications on 31 December 2026. Installations must be completed by this date.

ECO4 ends December 2026 — what households should do now

If your household might be eligible for free or funded energy improvements under ECO4, acting now gives you the best chance of being assessed, approved and having work completed before the scheme closes.

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What is ECO4?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible UK households. It targets low-income households and those with poorly insulated homes (EPC ratings D-G).

Funded measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, first-time central heating, air source heat pumps, and in some cases boiler upgrades.

Who may be eligible?

ECO4 uses two main eligibility routes:

Benefits-based route

If someone in your household receives certain benefits — including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit or others — your property may qualify regardless of EPC rating (though EPC is still often required for assessments).

Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex)

Local authorities can refer households with low incomes or vulnerable members who may not claim specific benefits but still struggle with energy costs. This route is administered differently by each local authority.

Why the timing matters

ECO4 installations involve multiple steps: eligibility check, installer survey, approval, materials procurement and the installation itself. This process can take several months. Householders who delay until late 2026 risk not completing in time.

  • Early 2026: installers will likely be accepting most applications
  • Mid-2026: capacity may become limited as the deadline approaches
  • Late 2026: installers may prioritise already-approved work; new applications may not be feasible

Watch out for scams

Unsolicited calls, texts, door-knocking and social media adverts claiming free grants are common ECO4 scams. Legitimate ECO4 installers will be TrustMark-registered and will conduct a proper survey. Never pay upfront for an "ECO4 grant application."

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What happens after ECO4?

The government has consulted on a successor scheme. The Warm Homes Plan and Warm Homes: Local Grant are running alongside ECO4. At present, no confirmed successor to ECO4 for private households at the same scale has been announced. Do not assume equivalent funding will be available after December 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: ECO4 (gov.uk/government/collections/eco4)
  • Ofgem: ECO4 scheme overview
  • Energy Saving Trust: ECO scheme guidance
  • GOV.UK: Warm Homes Plan consultation

Last reviewed: July 2026. This page is guidance only and does not guarantee eligibility.