The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is one of the main ways lower-income and vulnerable households get help with insulation and heating. It runs until 31 December 2026, and Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications. This page explains where things stand and what to do instead.

Find funding you qualify for

See the home and energy grants open right now and check your eligibility.

What ECO4 is

ECO4 requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency measures, such as insulation and heating upgrades, for eligible households. It applies to measures installed from 1 April 2022. Ofgem, which administers the scheme, says ECO “is not a grant scheme”: energy suppliers decide what they fund, you may be asked to contribute, and being eligible doesn’t guarantee an installation.

ECO4 Flex (often called LA Flex) lets councils refer low-income or vulnerable households who aren’t on qualifying benefits. Read more in our guides to the Energy Company Obligation and LA Flex.

When ECO4 ends

Ofgem says ECO4 “will run until 31 December 2026, following a nine-month extension”. The related Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026, and no ECO5 has been announced. See when ECO4 ends and what comes after.

What you can do instead

Already had ECO4 work done?

If something has gone wrong with work installed under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, see our guide to ECO4 complaints. And be wary of anyone cold-calling about “free ECO4 grants” — read how to spot ECO scams.

Sources

Ofgem (Energy Company Obligation; Great British Insulation Scheme); GOV.UK (Warm Homes: Local Grant; Boiler Upgrade Scheme). Reviewed: 7 October 2026.