What is the ECO4 Scheme?

General Insulation

What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a UK government initiative that aims to help households improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bills. The scheme is implemented by energy companies, which are obligated to provide energy efficiency measures to eligible households. The scheme has been running since 2013, with different phases being introduced over time.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?

ECO4 is the current phase of the Energy Company Obligation scheme. It became active in July 2022, after the ending of ECO3 on the 31st of March 2022. ECO4 applies to measures installed from 1 April 2022 and will cover a four-year period until 31 March 2026. The government has stated that they aim to set a minimum target of EPC-rated E, F and G properties to be upgraded so that the most energy inefficient are not left behind.

What does the ECO Scheme cover?

The ECO scheme covers a range of energy efficiency measures, including insulation installation, boiler replacement, and heating controls. The specific measures that are covered by the scheme will depend on the phase of the scheme (i.e. ECO1, ECO2, ECO3, ECO4) and the specific circumstances of the household. For example, ECO4 will prioritize the upgrade of band E, F and G properties.

ECO4 is focused on helping low-income and vulnerable households improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bills. The scheme provides funding for a range of energy efficiency measures, such as:

• Cavity wall insulation installation
• Loft insulation installation
• External wall insulation installation
• Boiler replacement
• Heating controls

How to apply for the ECO4 Scheme?

Checking your eligibility for the ECO4 scheme can be done here: Check ECO4 Eligibility.

As a homeowner, you may be eligible for ECO4 if you are in receipt of certain benefits, such as Pension Credit. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, you can check your eligibility by visiting the form above.

Once you have determined that you are eligible for the ECO4 scheme, you may contact a participating energy company or approved installer, such as Mass Foam Systems, to begin the application process. The energy company will carry out an assessment of your home to determine what measures are needed and will then provide you with a quote for the work.

If you are eligible for the scheme and agree to the quote, the energy company will then arrange for the work to be carried out. The work will be completed by a qualified and approved installer, such as Mass Foam Systems, and the cost of the work will be covered by the scheme.

It is important to note that the ECO4 scheme is subject to funding availability, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

Benefits of the scheme

By making energy efficiency upgrades, you can lower your energy bills, improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, and reduce your carbon footprint. The scheme can also help to improve the overall comfort of your home, which is especially important during the cold winter months.

Additional benefits of the scheme include:

• Improved health and safety
• Increased property value
• Reduced energy consumption
• Increased comfort

If you are looking to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills, the ECO4 scheme may be a great option for you. With the support of the scheme, you can make important energy upgrades to your home, and benefit from the many advantages that come with improved energy efficiency.

Another important aspect of the ECO4 scheme is that it aims to tackle fuel poverty, which affects around 2.5 million households in the UK. Fuel poverty is defined as when a household has to spend more than 10% of its income on energy bills. The scheme is expected to help low-income and vulnerable households by reducing their energy bills, making their homes more energy efficient and providing them with warmer, more comfortable living conditions.

The ECO4 scheme is an important initiative that can help to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes, reduce energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty. By upgrading your home’s energy efficiency, you can benefit from lower energy bills, increased comfort, and improved health and safety. If you think you may be eligible for the scheme, it is important to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible.

It is important to note that the scheme is not only open to homeowners, but also to landlords and tenants. Landlords can also apply for funding to upgrade their properties, and tenants can benefit from the upgrades as well. The scheme is also open to owner-occupiers and private renters, as well as social housing tenants.

In summary, the ECO4 scheme is the latest phase of the Energy Company Obligation scheme. It started in July 2022 and will run for four years until 31 March 2026. The scheme focuses on upgrading the energy efficiency of band E,F and G properties. The scheme is open to homeowners, landlords, and tenants, and provides funding for a range of energy efficiency measures such as insulation installation, boiler replacement, and heating controls. The scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty, reduce energy bills, and improve the overall comfort of homes.

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