How You Can Benefit from Energy Efficiency Grants

Energy bills are a big worry for many households in the UK, especially as prices have gone up in recent years. The good news is that there is help available. The ECO4 Scheme is one way homeowners and tenants can get support to make their homes warmer, more energy efficient, and cheaper to run.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?

ECO4 stands for the Energy Company Obligation (Phase 4). It’s a government programme that started in July 2022 and will run until March 2026. The scheme asks big energy companies to help people on lower incomes or in hard-to-heat homes by paying for energy-saving improvements.

These improvements can include:

Installing cavity wall insulation
Adding or upgrading loft insulation
Fitting air source heat pumps or more efficient boilers
Draught-proofing and improving ventilation
Installing smart heating controls

The aim is to reduce energy use, cut bills, and make homes more comfortable and better for the environment.

Who Can Get Help?

Not everyone can apply for ECO4. The scheme is designed to help people who need it most. You may be able to apply if:

1. You receive certain benefits

If someone in your home gets one or more of the following benefits, you may qualify:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Child Benefit (with income limits)
Housing Benefit
Tax Credits (Working or Child Tax Credit)

2. You have a low income

Even if you’re not claiming benefits, you might still qualify if your household income is below £31,000 a year and you live in a home with poor energy performance (usually EPC band D, E, F or G).

What Kind of Homes Are Included?

The ECO4 Scheme covers private homes, including:

Owner-occupied homes
Private rented homes (with landlord permission)

Social housing may also qualify, but there are different rules.

Your property usually needs to have a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to qualify. EPC ratings go from A (best) to G (worst). ECO4 is mainly aimed at homes rated D, E, F or G.

What Improvements Can You Get?

The type of help you receive depends on your home and what it needs most. After a home survey, a qualified installer will suggest improvements.

Here are some common upgrades under ECO4:

Cavity wall insulation to keep heat in
Loft insulation to stop warmth escaping through the roof
Room-in-roof insulation for converted loft rooms
Underfloor insulation in older homes
Heating system upgrades such as heat pumps, electric storage heaters, or modern gas boilers
Smart thermostats and better controls to manage your heating
Ventilation systems to prevent damp and mould

Professionals carry out all upgrades, and work is usually free of charge to the homeowner or tenant.

What Are the Benefits?

Taking part in the ECO4 Scheme offers many benefits:

Lower energy bills: Better insulation and heating mean your home uses less energy.
Warmer home: No more cold rooms in winter.
Less damp and mould: Good insulation and ventilation keep your home dry.
Better for the environment: You’ll be reducing carbon emissions.
Adds value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and renters.

Is There a Deadline?

Yes. ECO4 is running until March 2026, but the sooner you apply, the better. There is high demand, and funding is limited each year.

If you’re struggling with high heating costs or live in a cold, hard-to-heat home, the ECO4 Scheme could be a big help. It provides free energy-saving upgrades that make your home more comfortable, reduce bills, and support a greener future.

Contact your local council for more details

Not eligible for a grant?
We can help and provide you with a free quote.

Call us on 01903 331 578
Or get in touch here: https://cavitech-uk.com/contact