ECO4 Scheme
ECO4 Free Funding in Scotland
The ECO4 scheme is the largest source of free home energy improvements in Scotland. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and what it covers.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4) runs until March 2026 and funds insulation, boiler replacement, and heating upgrades for eligible Scottish households at no cost. Qualifying criteria include receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, or having a household income under £31,000.
What Is ECO4?
ECO4 stands for the Energy Company Obligation, Phase 4. It is a UK Government scheme that legally requires large energy suppliers (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, and others) to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes across the UK.
The current phase runs from April 2022 to March 2026. It focuses on households most affected by fuel poverty, particularly those with low incomes or receiving benefits, living in properties with poor energy efficiency ratings.
For eligible households, this means improvements like insulation, boiler replacement, and heating upgrades can be provided at no cost whatsoever. The energy companies cover the full expense.
What Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 aims to improve properties to at least an EPC rating of C (or D in some cases where C is not practically achievable). The measures installed depend on what your property needs:
Insulation
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Flat roof insulation
Heating
- Boiler replacement
- First-time central heating
- Air source heat pumps
- Storage heaters
- Heating controls
- Smart thermostats
A technical survey determines which combination of measures will achieve the greatest improvement for your property. You may receive multiple measures as part of a single application.
ECO4 Eligibility in Scotland
There are two main routes to qualify: benefits-based eligibility and income-based eligibility (Local Authority Flex). You only need to meet one.
Route 1: Qualifying Benefits
You are eligible if you receive any of the following:
Route 2: Local Authority Flex (LA Flex)
If you do not receive qualifying benefits, you may still be eligible if your household income is under £31,000 per year and you meet additional vulnerability criteria. These include:
- Living in an area of high fuel poverty
- Having a health condition worsened by cold
- Being over 60 years of age
- Having children under 5 in the household
- Being pregnant
- Having a disability
Property Requirements
- EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Must be your primary residence
- Homeowner or private tenant (with landlord consent)
- Located in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK)
How to Access ECO4 Funding
Check your eligibility
Use our checker or contact a scheme provider to confirm you meet the criteria.
Find an approved installer
Work must be done by an installer registered with an obligated energy supplier. They handle the funding application.
Home assessment
A surveyor visits to determine which measures your property needs and can accommodate.
Submit documentation
Provide proof of benefits/income, property ownership, and identification as required.
Installation
Once approved, qualified installers carry out the work. Most installations are completed within 1-5 days depending on the measures.
Quality assurance
Post-installation checks confirm the work meets TrustMark and PAS standards.
Important Things to Know
ECO4 runs until March 2026. After this date, the scheme may be replaced or extended, but current funding is only guaranteed until then. Applying sooner increases your chances.
Funding is allocated regionally. Even if you qualify, local funding availability may affect timing. Some areas have more demand than available budget.
Multiple measures may be installed. ECO4 takes a whole-house approach. You may receive insulation and heating improvements together as a package.
Avoid ECO4 Scams
Legitimate ECO4 work is always free for eligible households. Never pay a fee, deposit, or "administration charge" to access the scheme. Report suspicious approaches to Trading Standards.
Check Your ECO4 Eligibility
Find out if you may qualify for free improvements through the ECO4 scheme.
Check EligibilityFrequently Asked Questions
ECO4 is a UK Government scheme requiring large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in qualifying homes. It covers insulation, heating systems, and some renewable technologies.
Households receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support may be eligible. Properties with low EPC ratings (D to G) and households on low incomes may also qualify through LA Flex.
ECO4 runs until March 2026. A successor scheme is expected but not yet confirmed. Eligibility criteria and available funding may change before the end date.
ECO4 can fund loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, boiler replacement, heating controls, and in some cases heat pumps and solar panels.
You can apply through an approved ECO4 installer or referral agent. They will assess your eligibility, arrange a property survey, and manage the funding application on your behalf.