The ECO4 initiative, established by the UK government in April 2022 and running until March 31, 2026, aims to reduce household carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in UK homes. This scheme offers discounted or free home insulation, upgraded boilers, or green heating systems to eligible households with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower. Building upon its predecessor, ECO3, ECO4 prioritizes low-income households and areas facing high fuel poverty, striving to make all housing stock more energy efficient by 2035.
Coverage of ECO4 Scheme
2. Green Heating Systems: Installation of advanced heating systems like air-source heat pumps and biomass boilers is also covered. These modern alternatives offer up to a 25% reduction in energy bills and can replace outdated, inefficient boilers. Solar panel installation is an option if a heat pump or biomass boiler isn’t feasible.
3. Boiler Repair and Upgrades: The ECO4 Scheme includes funding for repairing and upgrading existing boilers to improve efficiency. This covers diagnostics, cleaning, and repairs to ensure boilers operate at their fullest potential for an extended period, typically up to 12 years.
Differences Between ECO4 and ECO3:
However, a significant distinction lies in the benefits covered. ECO4 excludes certain benefits previously eligible under ECO3 to better target households with lower incomes. For instance, while ECO3 facilitated almost 134,000 boiler upgrades, ECO4 restricts this number to just 5,000. Moreover, only a limited number of households can benefit from a biomass boiler under ECO4, with a greater emphasis on improved insulation or air-source heat pumps for more homes.
Eligibility Criteria for ECO4 Scheme: To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, individuals must receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
– Income-based Jobseekers allowance
– Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
– Income Support
– Universal Credit
– Child Tax Credit
– Working Tax Credit
– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
– Pension Credit Savings Credit
– Housing Benefit
However, benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Personal Independent Payment, Armed Forces Independent Payment, War Pensions Mobility Supplement, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit are no longer eligible under ECO4.
Additionally, the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating must indicate a need for improvement. Homes with an EPC rating of D or higher are ineligible, while those with ratings of F or lower will receive measures to improve to at least a D rating. Properties with existing ratings of D or E will be upgraded to at least a C rating. The government aims to upgrade band E, F, and G properties to ensure the most energy-inefficient homes aren’t overlooked, aligning with the requirement for all new lease properties in the UK to have an EPC of C or higher by 2025.
Applying for the ECO4 Scheme:
If you reside in the UK and meet the eligibility criteria, you can initiate your application for the ECO4 scheme immediately. Simply reach out to energy suppliers and inquire about the available measures they offer under the scheme. It’s essential to understand that direct application for ECO funds isn’t possible; instead, this process must be facilitated through an energy supplier. Therefore, contacting them directly is the first step towards accessing the benefits of the ECO4 scheme.
Government Backed Scheme
